VARANASI, Nov. 3 -- Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday released a Rs.250 commemorative coin marking the 250th birth anniversary of Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of the celebrated composers of Carnatic music and a member of the Carnatic Trinity, at IIT (BHU), Varanasi.

She also unveiled Amara Guruguham Potruvam, a book documenting the life, philosophy and musical contributions of the legendary composer.

Addressing the gathering, Sitharaman spoke about the rich heritage of Carnatic music and Dikshitar's contribution to it. She also discussed the distinctive features of his veena and his association with Kashi, where he had stayed.

She stressed the importance of passing India's musical and cultural heritage on to younger gen...