The contribution of Indira Sivasailam to the field of Carnatic music and her pivotal role in patronising young and budding musicians were recalled at the presentation of Indira Sivasailam Endowment Concert and Medal, instituted by The Music Academy and Indira Sivasailam Endowment Fund, here on Friday.
The Medal was presented to vocalist Sudha Ragunathan. The award is to recognise and appreciate outstanding Carnatic musicians selected by a panel comprising members from the endowments committee of the Academy, and TAFE Vice-Chairman Mallika Srinivasan, who is the daughter of Amalgamations Limited Chairman A. Sivasailam and Indira Sivasailam.
Selection is based on various criterions, including excellence in performance, audience appeal, adherence to classical tradition while innovating within its framework, depth of knowledge and demonstrated efforts to spread knowledge and the ability to bring about a greater public appreciation of Carnatic music. Ms. Ragunathan was the first recipient of the award.
Extolling Indira Sivasailam's involvement in strengthening Carnatic music, N. Murali, Senior Managing Director of Kasturi & Sons Limited and president, The Music Academy, said she had been a pillar of strength for organisers of many concerts. Presenting the award, Ms. Srinivasan said it was Ms. Ragunathan's diligent effort to be a devoted learner of Carnatic music that was the key for her undying popularity. Indira Sivasailam, she added, had an ardent desire to encourage and recognise south Indian classical musicians to share their knowledge.
In her acceptance speech, Ms.Ragunathan observed that Indira Sivasailam strongly believed that education played a crucial role in attaining excellence in music. “We all drew inspiration from her. She was a class by herself.” Her concert followed the function.
