Artistes spend their lifetime protecting art, and give a lot to the society. In return, the society has a responsibility to take care of artists and protect them during the worst of their times, Governor Sheila Dikshit said on Thursday.
Diskhit was speaking after presenting the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi awards for 2013. The Governor complimented artistes who continued to make contributions to the culture of Kerala, despite living outside the state. This year, for the first time in the history of the Akademi, fellowships and special awards were instituted for
Non-Resident Keralites.
Kerala fosters fabulous art forms like Kathakali, Koodiyattam and Mohiniyattom, said Dikshit. The rich variety and diversity of its art forms is what makes it the ideal home for the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, she said.
Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph commended the Akademi for extending its reach to include Non-resident Keralites. “Kerala is deeply indebted to the NRKs for their cultural contributions. Recently, the Akademi conducted several theatre festivals in other Indian cities and the Gulf region. That the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi is honouring the NRKs makes this a momentous occasion.” The Minister said that the department is considering a significant increase in the award money, which is nominal at present.
Speaking on the occasion, actor Madhu complimented the relentless efforts of the Akademi and its Chairman Soorya Krishnamurthy to keep theatre alive. The function, which honoured artists from various fields, was held at Kanakakkunnu Palace on March 27, World Theatre Day.
The Governor presented the Kalaratna 2013 Fellowships to Shobhana (dance), Mangad Naresh (music) and Nelson Fernandes (theatre) on the occasion.
Painter-sculptor Balan Nambiar was awarded with the first-ever Pravasi Kalaratna Fellowship.