Bharat Kalachar honoured eminent personalities for their contribution to fine arts at a function held here on Friday to commemorate its 23rd anniversary.
The occasion also marked the inauguration of the 24th ‘Marghazhi Mahotsav' of the organisation.
Carnatic musicians M. Balamuralikrishna and Aruna Sairam were honoured with titles ‘Gnana Kala Bharathi' and ‘Viswa Kala Bharathi' respectively. Veteran actor M. N. Rajam received ‘Natya Kaladhar' award and playback singer L. R. Eswari was presented with ‘Gana Kaladhar' award.
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Andhra Pradesh Governor E. S. L. Narasimhan gave away the ‘Acharya Kala Bharathi' award to Bharathanatyam guru Krishnakumari Narendran. Drama artiste Kovai K. S. Krishnan received the ‘Nadaga Kala Bharathi' award.
Director S. B. Kanthan and K. S. Sudhakar of Swathi Soft Solutions were presented the ‘Kala Seva Bharathi' award for bringing out CDs and DVDs on classical dance and music.
The ‘Rasika Kala Bharathi' award was given to J. Kannan for his appreciation of fine arts.
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Up and coming artists
Fourteen up and coming artists in Bharathanatyam and classical music were conferred the title ‘Yuva Kala Bharathi.' Special commendation awards were given to Carnatic instrumentalist V.V.S.Manian and Bharathanatyam dancer Nandhitha Neroor.
Lauding Bharat Kalachar, Mr. Narasimhan said it is not only promoting awareness about fine arts among the people but also safeguarding the country's culture and fine arts through its initiatives. The annual souvenir of the organisation was released at the function. Veteran classical dancer V. P. Dhananjayan, Bharat Kalachar's patron Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti, Bharat Kalachar's chairman Mrs. Y. G. Parthasarathy spoke. The month-long festival would be on till January 9.