DMK president M. Karunanidhi said he was navigating the party organisation through tempests to fulfil his duties and responsibilities.
Addressing the 36 music festival of the Muthamizh Peravai on Friday, he said he had attended the function despite tumultuous times since it was his duty.
Mr. Karunanidhi said while the DMK was taking efforts to rejuvenate folk arts and other art forms, one should not forget the fact that there were also efforts to consign them to a corner.
He said DMK founder and late Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai organised a music festival in Kancheepuram when the music of Tamils, especially nagaswaram, was not given its due on the concert platforms.
“Despite all our efforts, there is an attempt to make Tamil forget the Dravidian culture and tradition,” he said. He presented Rajarathna award to Kovil Kannampur K. Natarajan. Iyal Selvam was awarded to Tamil scholar Avvai Natarajan, Isai Selvam to vocalist Nithyashree, Thavil Selvam award went to Kovilur K.G. Kalyanasundaram, Nagaswara Selvam to Tirukkattupalli T.J. Subramanian and Natya Selvam award to K. Shanmugasundaram.
Former Minister K. Ponmudi, president of the Peravai N. Ramani and secretary Vazhuvoor Ravi participated.
