The President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, presented the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi awards for 2003 at a function held on 26 October at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Sangeet Natak Akademi, the national academy of music, dance and drama, Govt. of India honours personalities representing different artforms, with awards and fellowships every year.

Among the 33 awardees, the artistes representing the South Indian classical arts, were Carnatic vocalist Trichur Ramachandran, violinist A. Kanyakumari, saxophone artiste Kadri Gopalnath, senior Bharatanatyam dancer from Kalakshetra C.K. Balagopalan, Kathakali exponent Sadanam P.V. Balakrishnan and Kuchipudi artiste K. Uma Rama Rao.

The award was given posthumously to Carnatic vocalist M.A. Narasimhachar. It was received by his wife Rajalakshmi.

Well known art critic P.V. Subramaniam, popularly known as Subbudu received the SNA award for his scholarship and overall contribution in performing arts. And the 87-year old awardee is reported to have received a standaing ovation at the award ceremony.

The award comprised a cheque for Rs. 50,000, 'Tamrapatra' and a shawl. President Kalam in his speech has suggested the inclusion of music and dance as part of the school curriculum for children. He is also reported to have said that just as Subramaniya Bharathi and Rabindranath Tagore contributed to the freedom movement through their poetry, artistes today should create themes to visualise a developed India.

Violinist Kanyakumari who flew into Chennai on Wednesday, told KutcheriBuzz, "It was a grand function in Delhi. And receiving the award from President Kalam was a great honour."

Contact: Sangeet Natak Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi - 110 001. Ph: 23381833. E-mail: sangeetnatak@bol.net.in
Website: www.sangeetnatak.org

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