In addition to winning the Ramon Magsaysay Award, TM Krishna’s role in promoting the Urur-Olcott Kuppam Margazhi Vizha deserves mention. Taking art forms from exclusive stages into inclusive spaces is the theme behind this innovative Vizha serving as a confluence of cultures.
The festival lays emphasis in the unifying power of art in times of widening chasms of class, caste and gender in the society. In its third year and gaining traction, the Vizha is a way to make art accessible to all. Subverting all convention, this is a platform where Carnatic music shares the space with gaana and Bharatanatyam with paraiaatam! The idea has received widespread acclaim and the movement has inspired conversation about the need for more such spaces that combat exclusion.
The talented A. Kanyakumari also made history as she became the first woman violinist ever to be honoured with Sangita Kalanidhi award by the Music Academy. Apart from performing in various kutcheris, she also teaches a lot of students, completely free of cost.
