Thiruvananthapuram: Soorya Krishnamoorthy, a towering cultural figure and organiser who passed away on Wednesday, has left an indelible mark on Thiruvananthapuram’s artistic landscape. He was a rare personality who seamlessly bridged the worlds of science and technology with a passionate lifelong dedication to art and culture.

Born Nataraja Krishnamoorthy to K N Iyer and Saraswathi Ammal in Kottayam, his family relocated to Thiruvananthapuram just days after his birth. The capital city subsequently became his home and lifelong canvas. Educated at Model School, the College of Fine Arts and TKM College of Engineering, Krishnamoorthy joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) immediately after graduating. He served ISRO from 1972 until 1999, when he took voluntary retirement to devote himself entirely to cultural pursuits.


The rise of 'Soorya'

His transformation began with the founding of the cultural organisation 'Soorya' in 1977, an initiative so transformative that the name became permanently intertwined with his identity. What started as a modest film-screening society quickly expanded into a massive cultural movement designed to promote classical music, dance, theatre, painting and photography.

Through his vision, Hindustani classical music, along with classical dance forms like Kathak and Odissi, gained widespread popularity across Kerala. Today, the Soorya Stage and Film Society operates across 23 countries and 30 international cities. Renowned as one of the world's largest cultural festivals, the non-profit venture famously spans over 100 consecutive days without relying on a formal corporate office or salaried staff.


Pioneer of stagecraft and achievements

Krishnamoorthy pioneered Kerala’s first light-and-sound show, ‘Veluthampi Dalawa’, ushering in a new era of visual storytelling through innovative plays and mega-stage productions.

His extraordinary contributions earned him prestigious honours, including the National Film Award for Stage Craft and Direction from the President of India, Kerala's second-highest civilian honour, the Kerala Prabha Award, the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu Government and recognition as the Limca Book of Records Man of the Year.

 

Devotion and legacy

A devout worshipper of Lord Ganesha, Krishnamoorthy curated a personal collection of over 1,500 Ganesha idols at his residence. A prized highlight of his collection was a rare idol gifted personally by Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi Thampuran of the Travancore Royal Family.