“Awards make me humble and place a responsibility on me to carry forward music, a divine art and a traditional chariot that should be passed on to the next generation,” said vocalist Nithyasree Mahadevan, who was presented the title ‘Sangeetha Kalasarathy' here on Wednesday.
The award, instituted by Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, includes a gold medal, citation and a cheque for Rs.10,000 and was presented by the 46th jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt Sri Ranganatha Yatindra Mahadesikan.
Speaking at the awards function organised as part of the inaugural of the sabha's 110th music festival, Ms. Nithyashree said the award put on her the responsibility to pass on the legacy of her paternal grandmother D.K. Pattammal and maternal grandfather Palghat Mani Iyer.
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An award instituted by her to commemorate the centenary celebrations of percussionist Palghat Mani Iyer was presented to mridangam exponent Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, who is also a disciple of Palghat Mani.
The award included a memento, shawl and cheque for Rs.10,000. Mr. Sivaraman donated the money to the Sabha.
An award instituted in the name of M.L. Vasanthakumari was presented to promising vocalist Amritha Murali. The award, which included a cheque for Rs.10,000, a shawl and a memento, was instituted by vocalist Sudha Ragunathan in memory of her teacher, Sabha secretary M. Krishnamurthy said.
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A set of seven DVDs titled ‘Moras and Korvais' of Mr. Sivaraman's performances with lectures and demonstrations was released.
The jeer said, “There is no difference between the Vedas and music. Music is divine. I grew up listening to the concerts. You must learn to enjoy music to understand it. Knowledge must be shared. Only if there are rasikas will musicians be encouraged. More such programmes should be held to nurture music,” he said.