Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120458520200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Aruna Sairam swears by music to soothe hearts

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: “After the Mumbai terror attacks, questions such as what is the purpose of music bothered me,” said Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam, who hails from Mumbai. “Then I realised that music provides the much-needed balm to soothe our hearts, both the artist’s and the listeners,’ and leads us to divinity. It is our contribution to anti-terror initiatives,” she said. She was speaking at the inauguration of the December Art Festival 2008 of Brahma Gana Sabha here on Wednesday. Ms. Sairam was honoured with the ‘Gaana Padmam’ title by S. Jagadeesan, former judge of the Madras High Court.

Mr. Jagadeesan released the schedule of the concerts, handing it over A. Natarajan, former director of Doordarshan Kendra, Chennai. Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty, president, Brahma Gana Sabha, was present.

The ‘Naatya Padmam’ title was conferred on Bharatanatyam exponent K.J. Sarasa. She was trained by Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai. She has trained hundreds of students and produced dance dramas such as Sakunthalam and Aditya Hridayam, Mr. Natarajan said.

Theatre artist Bombay Gnanam was honoured with ‘Nataka Padmam.’ She started the Mahalakshmi Ladies Drama Group, an all-women troupe, and has staged 15 Tamil plays so far. The festival will be on till January 28.