CHENNAI: Tourism and Culture Secretary V. Irai Anbu on Thursday laid stress on the importance of corporate social responsibility, especially in promoting and preserving the country's cultural heritage.

Presiding over the inaugural function of Viswapriya Trust, he outlined the significance of developing art and culture in bonding families and working as a stress-buster in today's fast-paced life. "It is great to have embarked on a trust to promote music, dance and culture."

Inaugurating the trust, N. Murali, Managing Director, The Hindu , and president of The Music Academy, praised the late Viswanathan of the Enfield Group of Companies, who nurtured India's rich cultural heritage. He was happy to note that the Viswapriya Group had formed a trust to continue the tradition.

The notable feature of the trust was to encourage appreciation of music and development of latent talents. "It is a laudable, socially relevant venture and I am sure that Viswapriya Trust will become a benchmark organisation in the days to come in the promotion of Carnatic music and dance programmes," Mr. Murali said.

He unveiled a plaque to mark the formal inauguration of the trust and lit a traditional lamp.

R. Subramanian, director of Viswapriya Financial Services and Securities Limited, said the trust would conduct special programmes for the differently abled and support folk and other Indian arts.

Harikatha to be promoted

V. Rangaswamy, trustee, Viswapriya Trust, said the trust would also promote fine arts and harikatha and organise quiz programmes for the younger generation on matters relating to Indian tradition and culture.

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