The journey to becoming a singing priest: A fusion of music and faith <br /> Keynote Plenary Presentation I

FR. DR.PAUL POOVATHINGAL popularly known as "paadum paadiri" ( Singing Priest of India)., is the disciple of Padmabhushan Dr. K.J. Yesudas and Chandramana Narayanan Namboorhiri. He is an ordained priest from India in the religious congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) founded by blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. Fr. Paul is the first Christian priest in the world to have a Ph.D. in Karnatic music. He is a world wide performer and ambassador of Karnatic music. He has performed music concerts in America (Including many universities and colleges), Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Africa and Gulf countries. He has participated in the international music festival held at University of Durban, South Africa in 1998. In 2007 Dr. Paul performed for former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidents House), New Delhi and President of India honoured him.