Ilaiyaraaja donates concert fee, salary to Defence Fund

Legendary music composer and Member of Parliament Ilaiyaraaja has announced a personal donation to the National Defence Fund. In light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 people including Indian tourists and a Nepali national lost their lives, Ilaiyaraaja said he would contribute his concert fee and one month’s MP salary to support the Indian armed forces.

Sharing the news on his X account, Ilaiyaraaja spoke about his recent orchestral work Valiant, which he composed earlier this year. He noted that while the piece was created to honor courage, its title has taken on deeper meaning after the real-life bravery shown by Indian soldiers.

Quoting poet Bharathiyar, he expressed strong confidence in the armed forces, saying they would bring enemies to their knees. He called his donation a modest contribution in support of their relentless fight against terrorism and for protecting the country and its citizens.

This announcement follows India's launch of Operation Sindoor, a military response targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, believed to be behind the Pahalgam attack.

Earlier this year, Ilaiyaraaja made history by becoming the first Indian to present a Western classical symphony at London’s Eventim Apollo, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. His gesture now reflects not only artistic pride but national solidarity.

Jai Hind, he concluded in his post, saluting the courage of India’s armed forces.