Carnatic vocalist S. Sowmya was on Sunday conferred the “Sivan Isai Selvi” title instituted by the Papanasam Sivan Rasikar Sangam for the artist's contributions in keeping alive the legacy of classical composer-singer Papanasam Sivan.
‘Cleveland' V. V. Sundaram presented Sowmya the award and citation as part of the 120th birthday celebrations of Papanasam Sivan.
Mr. Sundaram, while appreciating the vocalist for perpetuating the legacy of the composer through her concerts, said Sivan's compositions had a timeless quality about them.
While “kirtanas” can be composed by scholarly effort it is compositions that “are molten in the heart and wringed from the mind” that stand the test of time, he said.
A.Natarajan, former Director, Doordarshan Kendra, Chennai, said the compositions of Papanasam Sivan would continue to live as long as Carnatic concerts were performed.
R. Krishnaswamy, secretary, Narada Gana Sabha, said as a singer or a composer Papanasam Sivan radiated a subliminal quality.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Sowmya said though she felt like a child all over again having evolved as a singer enjoying the affection of the family of Papanasam Sivan, the conferment of the title was special as “one always had to work that much harder to be appreciated at home.”
V. Vaidyanathan, vice-president of the Sangam, Rukmani Ramani, Ashok Ramani and P. S. Prabhakaran, office-bearers also participated.
