Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting S. Jagatrakshakan on Sunday presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bharatanatyam exponent Padma Subrahmanyam as part of the inauguration of the fine arts festival of the Nungambakkam Cultural Academy.
Speaking at the function, Mr. Jagatrakshakan said that Ms. Subrahmanyam has contributed significantly to the art of Bharatanatyam. He also stressed the need for efforts towards encouraging young artists to enrich the art forms of music, dance and drama.
Accepting the award, Ms. Subrahmanyam said she dedicated the award to all ‘rasikas.'
Recognition and applause was crucial in motivating artists towards excellence, she added.
The Minister conferred title ‘Sangeetha Kala Siromani' on T.V.Gopalakrishnan in recognition of his contribution to carnatic music. The ‘Nrithya Kala Siromani' title was conferred on Revathi Ramachandran and ‘Nataka Kala Siromani' on Kudanthai Mali.
The 41st anniversary of the fine arts festival would feature carnatic music, Hindustani music, instrumental music, harikatha, music and dance lectures-cum-demonstrations, and popular Tamil plays. A total of 1,050 artists would participate, organiser said.
President of the Nungambakkam Cultural Academy Nalli Kuppusami Chetti and secretary ‘Lion' S. Natarajan participated.
