A five-day-long music festival in north Chennai was inaugurated at Sri Sayee Vivekananda Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kodungaiyur, on Tuesday.
The school's honorary correspondent T. S. Thiyagarajan said ‘Vadachennaiyil Isaivizha,' the summer music festival in north Chennai is being held for the eighth consecutive year at the school.
Patronage
The patronage for the festival has doubled with the increasing music appreciation among the north Chennai residents over the past few years.
Leading musicians, including saxophone exponent Kadiri Gopalnath and vocalist Sirgazhi G. Sivachidambaram have performed at the festival.
“This year, we have instituted D.K.Pattammal Award to honour musicians. Carnatic vocalist Gayathri Girish, who will also be performing at the festival, will receive the award,' Mr.Thiyagarajan said.
Nurturing young talents
The festival also aimed at nurturing young talent and encouraging artists in north Chennai. This year, a student of Sri Sayee Vivekananda School would perform.
Inaugurating the festival, All India Congress Committee member Karthi P.Chidambaram, said the school must provide a holistic education. Sports must be given as much importance as music.
Calling for changes in the present education system, he said that the State government must pass a directive to stop examinations in the primary classes. He asked the school to discontinue ranking system as it caused stress to students.
The school principal John Britto later said the school would stop the ranking system till standard eight from the coming academic year.
Mr.Gopalnath and Akshayam Choir from Bank of Baroda were honoured during the occasion. Rotary Club of R.A.Puram East would provide scholarships to underprivileged students as part of the festival.
