Mylapore Fine Arts Club Honors Eminent Artistes at 74th Festival

The Mylapore Fine Arts Club celebrated its 74th art festival on October 18, 2023, honoring distinguished artistes for their contributions to Indian classical music and dance. The prestigious title of Sangeetha Kala Nipuna was awarded to renowned mridangam player Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam, while the title of Nrithya Kala Nipuna went to esteemed Bharatanatyam guru Kanchana Janardhanan.

Industrialist and club president Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti expressed his congratulations to the awardees during the ceremony held in Chennai. The event also featured T.N. Suresh, General Manager and Zonal Head (Chennai) of Bank of Baroda, as the chief guest. He emphasized the club’s aspirations as it approaches its silver jubilee, encouraging it to aim for even greater heights in the future.

During the felicitation, vocalist Alleppey Venkatesan praised Mr. Bakthavathsalam for his sensitive playing style and his ability to create a perfect balance of sound. He shared memorable anecdotes from the artiste’s performances, highlighting their lasting impact on audiences. Dancer Madhumathi Prakash lauded Ms. Janardhanan for her commitment to traditional practices, noting that her performances were crafted in a way that made them accessible to all, regardless of the audience’s familiarity with the art form.

Both awardees expressed their gratitude towards the Mylapore Fine Arts Club and the audience, or rasikas, for their support. In addition to the titles conferred, the club also recognized the achievements of 22 winners from its annual music competitions, showcasing the talent and dedication within the community.

The festival not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting Indian classical arts. As the Mylapore Fine Arts Club continues its journey, it remains committed to fostering artistic excellence within the region.