CHENNAI: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami conferred the life-time achievement 'Isaiyazhwar' title upon thavil maestro Padmashri A.K. Palanivel on Tuesday.
The award carries a gold medal and it has been instituted by Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru organising committee.
Inaugurating the 14th edition of Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru, the annual music festival organised by Lakshman Sruthi Musicals, here, Mr Palaniswami paid rich tributes to the Carnatic musicians and said the State government would consider the organisers' plea for recognition to the department. He also recalled the efforts of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in establishing the Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University.
In memory of 'Mellisai Mannar' MS Viswanathan, a wax statue of the legend was unveiled by Padma Bhushan Abinaya Saraswathi Saroja Devi on the occasion.
Lakshman Sruthi Musicals had conceptualised the festival in 2005 and they have been organising the event for the benefit of rasikas at Kamarajar Arangam every year during Margazhi. The 14th edition will last till Dec. 25. This year about 60 enchanting performances by Carnatic and Hindustani stalwarts, legends, upcoming talents, musicians, and dancers would provide a rich treat to fans.
CM like MGR has a smiling face: Saroja Devi
Yesteryear actress Saroja Devi compared Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami with AIADMK founder and former CM M. G. Ramachandran and said like his party founder Palaniswami always had a smiling face. "I have seen many Chief Ministers in my lifetime. Almost all them invariably look serious. Some don't even smile. But, EPS has got a smiling face, like MGR," the legendary actress said and urged him to serve the needy as MGR did.
