Noted Bharathanatyam dance Padma Subramaniam on Wednesday made a strong case for creating an audio-visual library by the All India Radio (AIR) for the benefit of genuine rasikas and research scholars.
She was addressing a function organised by Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) to release CDs and DVDs containing recordings of Violinist Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, Kannanin Aravamudhu, a discourse on Bhagawad Gita by Velukkudi Krishnan and Bhamakalapam, traditional operatic dance in Kuchupudi by Alekhya Pujnala.
The noted dancer said AIR and Doordarshan had recordings of many great musicians and it would be a great if the recordings were made available to the younger generation that had not heard them.
“An audio-visual library would serve the purpose,” she said. Recalling his association with the AIR, which dated back to 1947, Lalgudi Jayaraman reminisced that even as a kid he would listen to great masters on the radio and practise their songs.
“At a time satellite channels dominating the entertainment world, it is the AIR and Doordarshan that still provide a space for classical music and uphold the tradition. It is a matter of pride for all of us,” he said.
Director General of Doordarshan and AIR L.D. Mantoli and former director general P.V. Krishnamurthi and station director J. Kamalanathan were among those who were present.
