Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to T.K. Padmanabhan
On Wednesday, the Rotary Club of Madras Coromandel celebrated the remarkable contributions of esteemed violin vidwan and composer T.K. Padmanabhan by presenting him with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade recognizes Padmanabhan’s significant impact on the rich tradition of Carnatic music, reflecting his dedication and artistry in this revered musical genre.
The award ceremony took place during the 21st edition of the Sterling-Rotary Parallel Music Festival, held at the Kasturi Srinivasan Hall of The Music Academy. Notably, this year’s event coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, underscoring a poignant commitment to inclusivity within the arts.
Awards and Recognitions
During the ceremony, additional awards were bestowed upon deserving musicians. Veena vidwan and vocalist S. Srinivasan received the Distinguished Musician Award, acknowledging his contributions to classical music. Meanwhile, N.V. Thirumurugan, known for his skill with the morsing and mridangam, was honored with the Promising Musician Award, celebrating emerging talents in the field.
The Promising Musician Award, which has been awarded since 2020, also recognized the talents of vocalists Vidushi Vaikom Vijayalakshmi and vidwan K.T. Uday Kiran in the previous years, highlighting the festival’s commitment to fostering the next generation of musical talent.
Celebrating Arts and Inclusivity
As the chief guest at the event, N. Murali, President of The Music Academy, praised the unwavering commitment of the Rotary Club of Madras Coromandel in developing what started as the Parallel Music Festival into a widely respected event known as “The Music Festival.” This transformation marks a significant milestone in celebrating artistic excellence and promoting inclusivity in the arts.
M. Harinath, Senior Vice-President of Branding at Sterling Holiday Resorts, expressed their delight in sponsoring this impactful event, further underlining the importance of corporate support in the arts.
A Legacy of Recognition
Chairperson of the festival, R. Sridhar, noted that while the festival has been a platform for celebrating music since its inception in 2005, it was not until 2010 that the awards began being presented. Over the years, the festival has honored around 50 musicians, marking a legacy of recognition and celebration of excellence in musician artistry.
Distinguished Guests and Supporters
In attendance at the event were several dignitaries, including Rotary District 3234 Governor A.K.S. Vinod Saraogi, District First Lady Usha Saraogi, Club President Y. Kavitha, and Club Secretary Ramesh Ananth. The presence of club members, musicians, donors, and well-wishers added to the celebratory atmosphere, emphasizing the community’s involvement and support for the arts.
This year’s festival and the awards continue to inspire and encourage artistic pursuit in the world of Carnatic music, ensuring that the rich traditions are preserved and nurtured for future generations.
