AS the city gears up for the Margazhi fest, it was the turn of Naadhabrahmam, the monthly music journal with its own followers in the Carnatic world, to launch the December Season. The Dakshinamurthy Hall at the P S High School, might have looked empty – but the dais more than made up for it, as it was filled with the cream of classical music and dance – and the guest of honour, MS Sundara Rajan, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Bank. After a sweet and simple veena concert by Jayalakshmi Shekar began the function proper: the Inauguration of the Seventh Year Art Festival.
Aside from the inauguration itself, the magazine honoured four classical artistes: two dancers and two singers, for their outstanding services to the field of Carnatic music and dance. SR Janakiraman or Professor SRJ, as he is fondly known in the music circle, was honoured with the title Nadha Kovida – an apt tribute to this brilliant musicologist, known for his powerfully authoritative and inspiring lec-dems; Dr Vyjayanthimala Bali, whose name figures prominently in the ranks of those who have heralded a renaissance in Bharatanatyam over the last three decades, was conferred the title of Nrithya Kovida; Neyveli R Santhanagopalan, senior classical musician and known for rendering effective concerts couched in Bhakti (devotion) Bhava (emotion), was felicitated with the title Nadha Sevita, while Meenakshi Chittaranjan, exponent of the Pandanallur tradition of Bharathanatyam, which is characterised by the purity of line and form, precision and subtlety of expression, was conferred with the title Nrithya Sevita.
MS Sundara Rajan, as he gave away the cash awards and citations, mentioned that Naadhabrahmam was doing an excellent job of creating awareness in people about classical music – and also honouring musicians and dancers. “These days, considering the recent economic melt-down, baking is considered the third most stressful industry,” he mention, jocularly. Referring to the Mumbai attacks, he added that music was the best anti-terror instrument ever known – and that the most stressful individuals could leave, charged, after listening to classical music.
VP Dhananjeyan, felicitating the artistes waxed lyrical about them, particularly the dancers – relating one or two choice anecdotes in his turn. But it was Professor Va Ve Su who took the honours when it to came to complimenting the artists. Giving brief accounts of their specialties and his own knowledge of their forte, he painted a charming picture that highlighted their accomplishments.
Dr Vyjayanthimala, who presented the vote of thanks, was visibly moved as she warmly acknowledged the organisers and fellow artists, while animadverting briefly on the present state of classical music and dance. “That which touches your heart is real art,” she mentioned even as she closed a rather involved speech. With Naadhabrahmam’s continuous work in promoting the interests of art and artists, this year too, will prove to be a fruitful one.
expresso@epmltd.com
