Artistes such as violinist M. Chandrasekharan prove that anything can be accomplished with perseverance and passion, said Chitraveena maestro N. Ravikiran on Sunday.
Mr. Chandrasekaran was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Parallel Music fest held at the Music Academy. Along with him, mridangam exponent H.S. Sudhindra and musician Nerkunam S. Kamakshi were given the Award for Distinguished Differently-Abled Artist and Award for Promising Differenty-Abled Artist respectively.
“Mr. Chandrasekaran is looked upon as a hero by artistes, who continue to perform better with each passing day. At 80, after all the awards, he motivates himself to excel and outdo himself,” said Mr. Ravikiran. “The power of art is such that it brings people together and could be used to stop divisiveness and negativity,” he added.
On receiving the award Mr. Chandrasekaran said that he was overwhelmed by the love and respect he has received. “I sincerely thank everyone. I’m extremely happy and humbled by this award,” he said.
N. Murali, president of the Music Academy, fondly recalled how Mr. Chandrasekaran was the Sangita Kalanidhi designate 13 years ago and was present to give away these awards then.
Sri Mushnam Shri Raja Rao, who is Mr. Sudhindra’s teacher, recollected how musician K.V. Narayanaswamy would talk very highly of Mr. Chandrasekaran and considered him a genius. Speaking of Sudhindra, he said, he has seen him evolve as an artiste with remarkable determination and hard work.
Musician Suguna Varadachari, who trained Ms. Kamakshi, said she was extremely sharp and would recollect every sanghathi taught.
