The Chief Minister, Mr. C. N. Annadurai, today appealed to composers of Tamil songs to project in their compositions the ancient glory and the rich culture of Tamil Nadu.
Presiding over the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Tamil Isai Sangam at the Annamalai Mandaram, he urged that Tamil songs should be popularised by including them more and more in the concerts.
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He said the days were gone when people doubted the suitability of Tamil for rendering music, and paid a tribute to the Tamil Isai Sangam for its invaluable work in reviving and propagating Tamil music during the last 25 years. Mr. Annadurai said that Tamil music and art had a hoary past and this had been established by the Pann research undertaken by the Sangam. He said that one could enjoy the melody and content of the songs only when they were sung in one's mother-tongue. This did not mean they had any animus against songs composed in other languages.
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The Chief Minister wanted the Tamil composers to consider how best they could satisfy the tastes of the modern listeners who had neither the time nor patience to hear the elaborate rendering of Carnatic music. He suggested to composers to bring about a harmonious blending of Carnatic and light music. Referring to the view that songs devoid of bhakti could not be considered as real music, the Chief Minister said that most of the Tamil compositions were now designed to inculcate piety among the people. He, however, wondered how far they had succeeded in achieving their objective. He suggested that the beauty of nature and the brave deeds of the ancient Tamil warriors could also become themes for popular songs in Tamil
Mr. Annadurai pleaded for proper rendering of the songs, the artistes understanding the meaning and import of the compositions. Mr. C. Rajagopalachari, who inaugurated the celebration stressed the devotional aspect of music. Songs should be based on bhakti in order to touch the hearts of the people and inspire them, he said. The compositions of great composers like Thyagaraja and Purandaradasa became immortal because of their emphasis on devotion to God. Music devoid of bhakti would not appeal to the people and modern composers should, bear this in mind, he said
Rajaji said he was associated with the Tamil Isai movement from its very beginning and wished it all success. He said that one's mother tongue was the best medium for composing inspiring music and instanced how Thyagaraja, though born and bred in Tamil Nadu, composed soul-stirring songs only through his mother-tongue, Telugu. Mr. V. R. Nedunchezian, Education Minister, releasing the silver jubilee souvenir said real music should not only be pleasing to the ears but capable of touching the heart of the listeners. He visualised a bright future for Tamil music. The programme commenced with an invocation song by Mr. Sirkazhi Govindarajan. Mr. T. M. Narayanaswami Pillai, President of the Sangam, welcoming the gathering said for the last 25 years the organisation under the guidance of illustrious leaders had done pioneering work in the cause of Tamil language and music besides doing valuable research in studying the intricacies of Tamil music. He expressed the hope that the organisation would continue its efforts in realising its goal of popularising Tamil art and music. Mr. M. M. Dandapani Desikar rendered a song specially composed for the occasion by Mr. LP. IKR. Ramanathan Chettiar.
The title of "Isai Peraringnar" was conferred on Sri Kripananda Wariar by the Chief Minister. Mr. LP. KR Ramanathan Chettiar read the citation detailing Mr. Kripananda Wariar's service in the cause of Tamil, religion and for the spiritual development of people. Prizes to the winners in various vocal and instrumental competitions conducted by the Sangam were distributed. Mr. T. S. Kachapikesa Mudaliar proposed a vote of thanks. There was a nadhaswaram recital earlier by P S. Veerusami Pillai and party, and later a music concert by M.. M. Dandapani Desikar and party.