Chennai: “Music Academy should make sure they mark their successful presence for another 100 years with more innovations,” said chairman, PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi.
Inaugurating the 92nd Annual Conference and Concerts of the Music Academy in Chennai yesterday, Nooyi said, “The change that we face today is too fast. Everywhere the technology is dominating and we should gear up ourselves to stand with it. Fast growing technology is one of the greatest opportunities for singers and other musicians to mark their presence and establish themselves. They must make use of this.”
She also honoured Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam, Sangita Kalanidhi Elect 2018 who will preside over the Music Academy’s Annual Conference this year and will be conferred the title on 1 January, 2019.
Talking during the event, Aruna Sairam shared her “not-a-bed-of-roses” journey of being a successful Carnatic singer from Mumbai to Chennai.
She briefly lined up her experiences from a beginner to a well-experienced vocalist. Currently, she is the vice-chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Delhi.
“I stand here with happiness and humility. This moment comes to me as a culmination of a journey that began when I was a wide-eyed little girl tagging along with my family that descended upon Chennai for the December season, absolutely star-struck by the great vidwans and vidushis who strode the hallowed lobbies of the Music Academy,” she said.
Aruna Sairam also thanked her mother, her gurus, mentors, and members of her familyall of whom have been integral in shaping her musical career.
Addressing the gathering, president of the academy, N Murali, announced names of all the artistes who will be receiving the awards instituted by the academy.
He added, “Though we did not want to criticise about the #metoo allegations, considering the statements we have dropped a number of seven musicians who were slated to perform this season.”