The 38th Tamil Isai Vizha of Madurai Tamil Isai Sangam was inaugurated at Rajah Muthiah Mandram on Tuesday.
Justice Aruna Jegatheesan awarded the ‘porkizhi’ and conferred the title, ‘Muthamizh Perarignar’ on Tamil scholar Ilampirai Manimaran.
Justice Aruna Jegatheesan said that Tamil Isai was 3,000 years old and that Carnatic music itself evolved from Tamil Isai. “The family of Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar is doing a commendable job in spreading Tamil Isai. It is great that a woman Tamil scholar is honoured by the Tamil Isai Sangam here ahead of the World Women’s Day,” the judge said.
D.V.P. Raja, founder of Madurai Institute of Social Sciences, recalled the efforts taken by Raja Sir Muthiah Chettiar to form the Tamil Isai Sangam in Madurai. “The Sangam gives greatness to Madurai, which played a prominent role in the growth of Tamil literature,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Ilampirai Manimaran said, “It is indeed motivating and encouraging to receive the ‘porkizhi’ at Raja Muthiah Hall, a sanctum formed to promote arts. Among all the awards I have received, this will find a special place.”
M. S. Chandrasekaran, Commissioner of Income Tax, released the souvenir, and Mr. Raja received it.
M.A.M. Ramasamy, industrialist and Pro-Chancellor of Annamalai University; A.R. Ramasamy, secretary of Tamil Isai Sangam; trustees R. Sekkappa Chettiar and S. Mohan Gandhi were present.
The festival started with Mangala Isai. It ends on March 14.
