The universal truth given by Lord Krishna in 'BHAGWADGITA' i.e. Karmanye Vadhikaraste----- stands true when we study the Life of Gurushri Kubernath Appaswamy Tanjorkar, an authority of Bharatnatyam. He not only performed this dance, but also dedicated his life for the sake of this art. To day he is no more but his principles and image are well preserved and maintained to be continued by his family. He was religiously, follower of this art in its classical, pure Gurukul form without any compromise. Some may call it as 'Rigid' but this rigidness is a must when one has to learn any art. Take an example of 'Vocal' if one does not follow the basic rules, it becomes semi-classical.

Gurushri Kubernathji was born in 1917 at Kuber Bhandari, Karnali, one of the popular and holy place at the Shore of Narmada River. As we say that the Art is in his blood, his Grand Parents, Father and Mother were all Bharatnatyam artists. He was fortunate that the basic learning started at an early age. Very few know that he was a very good MRIDANGAM player as well. In his youth he studied Bharatnatyam under the famous Gurushri Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai at his Gurukul. Side by side he had also learnt Karnatak Classical Sangeet under the training of Gurushri Balkrishna Pillai. The hard work and strict discipline of years has shaped him perfectly. He had also studied Hindustani Classical music under famous Aftab-E-Mausiki Ustad Faiyaz Khan of Agra Gharana. In 1941 he was appointed as Dance-Teacher in Bhatkhande College of Music, Lucknow. An artist is never satisfied in one place. He always kept on moving like flowing water. He came back to Vadodara and was appointed as ‘Nattuvanar’ (Bharatnatyam Director) in the Royal Court of Baroda State from 1948 t0 1950. Finally he was selected as Professor of Dance in the Faculty of Performing Arts of M. S. University of Baroda in 1948 and from there retired in 1981.

After retirement from the services, as he said he was totally free to fulfil the ambition of his life and the result was establishment of "Tanjore Nritya Shala" in 1983 and later on in 1993 the Public Trust ‘Tanjore Dance Music and Art Research Centre’. Knowledge does not increase if kept at one place; it is always to be shared, to pass on to next generation. He trained thousands of students and many outstanding like Late Ku. Pratibha Pandit, Late Madhubhai Patel, Smt. Ilakshi Thakor, Smt. Neha Parikh (Canada), Smt. Parul Patel and many more. 

He founded the ‘Tanjore Dance Music and Art Research Centre’ and presently it has achieved remarkable strength. Till this date so many students from our Institute have performed 'ARANGETRAL". The main aim behind this establishing Trust is the age-old compositions, which are precious from the art point of view, he wished to propagate and spread this for a wide sphere. This trust extends help to those activities which works for the true upliftment and spread of Bharatnatyam. He saved many of his outstanding compositions, which were totally designed and composed by him. Few names are 'Sankshipt Bhagwat", "Radha-nu-Shamnu", "Meera Bhajan", "Navkar Mantra" and "Madhurashtakam''. These items are applauded very highly when presented in the Programmes of our Institute as well as other sponsored programmes. He travelled to South Africa, United States, United Kingdom, France and many other places in Europe.

The years of pains taken by him for Bharatnatyam was appreciated by President of India in 1993 and was awarded "SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI AWARD".

He was also recipient of "GUJARAT SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI AWARD", "SARANG DEV AWARD' Of Mumbai, "TRIVENI AWARD", " SANSKARBHARTI AWARD",            "ITC AWARD" and many others.

He had done lot of works and devotions all by himself during past many years. In old days he was then an advisor and the practical workload of these two institutes were on the shoulders of his Son Gurushri Ramesh and his Daughter-In Law Shrimati Leela who at present look after the day-to-day running of the organizations. The unique feature of Gurushri Ramesh is that after the high education of Chartered Accountant he chose Bharatnatyam as his prime activity. He does Nattuvangam and sings simultaneously. Very few can do this. Smt. Leela is Science Graduate and also studied Bharatnatyam. Guruji used to express his inner satisfaction in " My son and Daughter-In-Law are perfectly in true sense, my heirs who are carrying on my mission further”. His Grandsons Sri Rajesh Ramesh Tanjorkar, Sri Ashish Ramesh Tanjorkar and grand daughter-in-law Smt. Shivshankari Rajesh Tanjorkar are fortunate enough to acquire Bharatnatyam knowledge from our Great Guru. What else an artist wishes? 

Gurushri welcomed those who were sincere, dedicated for the sake of Bharatnatyam because Bharatnatyam was his Life and for which he lived for. 

Eventhough Guru Shri Kubernath A. Tanjorkar is no more between us, his inspiration is always with us encouraging us to continue his legacy carried on successfully by our family.

Recently, last year on Nov 08^th, 2009, to commemorate Guruji for his achievements and dedication in Bharatnatyam Dance, VMSS has named the stretch of the road from Uma Char Rasta towards Kaladarshan at Vadodara,Gujarat as “Gurushri Kubernath Tanjorkar Marg”.