Kalaimamani awards: CM refutes criticism

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, NOV.25. The Chief Minister, Mr.M.Karunanidhi, today rebutted criticism in a section of the media about the ``increasing number of persons receiving the State Government's Kalaimamani awards''.

Addressing the annual function organised by the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram when the Governor, Ms.Fathima Beevi gave away the awards to artistes and organisations, Mr. Karunanidhi said some magazines had criticised that the number of persons getting the award was increasing every year.

``Last year 70 persons got the awards and 54 this year. It was made out as if the government went around searching for people to give the award. My rebuttal is by asking the critics to say whether anyone among the awardees today does not deserve it. If more people are receiving the awards, it only shows that art, culture and literature in Tamil Nadu is growing and growing well. The award is our means of encouraging young talent and recognising the work of veterans,'' he said.

The awards, comprising a plaque and a medallion, were given to 54 artistes and literary achievers, a dance troupe and two cultural organisation. Cash assistance of Rs.15,000 each was given to four indigent artists.

The Governor, Ms. Fathima Beevi, who highlighted the underlying unity among the various sub-cultures of India, said since time immemorial these cultures had seen trend of State patronage of arts.

The learned in literature or arts had been kept on a high pedestal by rulers, one to develop the arts and to give the country a distinct favour in the comity of nations.

She lauded the government's role to help indigent artistes and to popularise folk arts, which had a long history.

Among the award winners were Messrs Solomon Papiah, Arimathi Thennakan, `Sujatha' Rangarajan (all literary achievers), Ajit Kumar, Devayani, T.Rajender, Anandaraj and `Loose' Mohan (film and drama artistes), Nalli Kuppuswamy Chettiar (patron of arts) and Sri Ganapathi Sthapathi (veteran sculptor).

The portraits of artistes of yesteryear such as T.R. Rajakumari, V.N.Janaki, K.A. Thangavelu, Jaishanker, V. Gopalakrishnan, were unveiled on the occasion.

Among those who participated in the function were the Tamil Development and Culture Minister, Dr.M. Tamizhkudimagan, the Secretary of Culture Department, Mr.S. Ramakrishnan, Commissioner, Department of Culture, Mr.T.R. Srinivasan, the Iyal, Isai Nataka Mandram's president, Mr. Rm. Narayanan and its member-secretary, Mr. K. Sornam.

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