Award for excellence

``EVERY TIME I get an award, I wonder whether I am worthy of it. Hence, would prefer to dedicate this award to the classical arts and its ardent rasikas, with whom I share a close bond,'' - this was Nithyasree Mahadevan acknowledging the honour conferred by the Rotary Club of Madras East.

At a special function on October 16 at Hotel Park Sheraton and Towers, the Rotary Club also honoured mridangist, Tiruvarur Bhaktavatsalam and Bharatanatyam danseuse, Urmila Satyanarayanan.

Inher lucid response, Urmila pointed out that when mainstream organisations honour artistes, they actually help nurture our ancient arts and tradition. The evening's proceedings began with a soulful rendering of the Rotary song by vocalist and Rtr Geeta Rajasekar. Then Nityashree and Urmila lit the kuthuvilakku. As the Chief Minister of Pondicherry, Mr R. Shanmugham, who was the guest of honour was delayed because of some political engagements, Mr R. Krishnaswamy, secretary, Narada Gana Sabha, presented the awards to the artistes.

Thepresident of the Rotary Club of Madras East, Mr. Gnaneshwar B. Pettukola, said that in these troubled times only art can soothe the nerves of society. And Nityasree concurred by singing ``Shanti Nilava Vendum...''.

CHITRA SWAMINATHAN

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