The President Draupadi Murmu presenting the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2020 to PP Kandhasamy for his contribution to Therukuthu, the traditional street drama of Tamil Nadu, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on February 23, 2023. Photo credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
Terming culture as the real identity of the country, President Draupadi Murmu on Thursday said India’s unique performing arts have kept its incredible culture alive over the centuries.
“Our art and artists are the bearers of our rich cultural heritage. Unity in diversity is the biggest feature of our cultural traditions.
Ms. Murmu said that civilization reflects the material achievements of a nation, but the intangible heritage is manifested through its culture. “In our tradition, art is a spiritual practice, a medium for the search for truth, a medium for prayer and worship, a medium for public welfare. Collective enthusiasm and unity are also expressed through dance and music. Art binds linguistic diversity and regional characteristics in one thread.
He said that Indians should be proud that the oldest and best definitions and traditions of art have developed in this country.
Art forms are also above language and geographical boundaries, he said, adding that the music of MS Subbulakshmi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Bhupen Hazarika was free of language or geography.
On the occasion, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships were awarded to eight eminent personalities in the field of performing arts. A total of 128 artistes were given awards from the fields of music, dance, theatre, traditional, folk and puppetry.
YG. Mahendra, who won the award for Best Actor, said it was an honor for Tamil theatre. A popular film actor, Mr. Mahendra said the fact that the award came for his stage performance “is a very satisfying experience.” Dedicating the award to his theater troupe, United Amateur Artists, and his father, theater legend YG Parthasarathy and his mentor Sivaji Ganesan, Mr. Mahendra said, “This is my 61st year on stage. I have never left the theater for films. It is heartening that someone is watching the hard work being done to keep Tamil theater alive. It gives me the kick to keep going,” said the veteran actor and playwright.
The Akademi also honored 86 artists with special one-time awards to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence.
“Art binds linguistic diversity and regional characteristics in one thread”Draupadi Murmu President of India