CHENNAI: Witnessing a gathering of veterans in Tamil literature and music, and lovers of the language, Tamil Isai Sangam celebrated its 72nd Annual Music Festival at Raja Annamalai Hall on Sunday.
Starting with a nadaswaram performance by PVS Raja and his accompaniments, the programme was organised to honour the noted Tamil singer Sirkazhi G Sivachidambaram and confer him with the title Isaiperarignar. S Sambantha Desikar and LP KR Ramanathan Chettiar were also honoured with the titles Pann Isai Perarignar and Pann Isai Kavalar respectively. Accepting the honour conferred on them, the awardees declared their love and respect for the language and vowed to work for the uplift of Tamil and Tamil music all their life.“Right from the days of my father Sirkazhi Govindarajan, I have been associated with the Tamil Isai Sangam. I grew up here and now, to be honoured by the very same Sangam is a prestigious moment. I will live up to the award conferred on me,” said Sivachidambaram. The programme was also presided over by PR Gopalakrishnan, president, and AC Muthaiah, honorary secretary of the sangam.