“The State Government is taking a slew of measures to promote art and culture”, said N. R. Sivapathi, Minister for School Education, Sports and Youth Affairs.
Speaking at the inauguration of a five-day cultural festival ‘Iyal Isai Nataka Natiya Vizha’ organised by Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Mr. Sivapathi said in 1995, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa formed the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram for the development of traditional forms of Tamil art.
The State Government provides a monthly assistance of Rs. 1,000 to indigent artistes to improve their livelihood, has increased the stipend of students studying in Government music schools from Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 and music colleges from Rs.250 to Rs. 500 respectively. The five-day cultural festival should see participation of various artistes, traditional art forms, and reach out to the general public, he added.
Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, member secretary, Sachu, urged the State Government to construct an auditorium for the Mandram for the artistes to perform and showcase their artistic skills.
Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, president, Deva, and Member of Legislative Assembly, Mylapore, R. Rajalakshmi spoke on the ocaassion.
C R Saraswathi, Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board, and K. Allaudin, Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation (TANSI), graced the occasion.
Later, a Bharatanatyam performance by Vidisha, and Villisai concert by Subbu Arumugam were held.
Earlier, a Nadaswara concert by S. Anandan, was performed much to the delight of the audience.
