Fine arts festivals serve the all-important purpose of bringing the performers of Classical arts closer to the people. They provide a platform for budding artists to exhibit their talent. It helps create awareness about varied expressions of the art form by different artistes, said Governor Banwarilal Purohit.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the 17th Annual Fine Arts Festival 2018 organised by Meenakshi Sundararajan Fine Arts Academy at KRS Auditorium, Meenakshi College for Women, Kodambakkam.
The Governor said, “December brings with it a plethora of fine arts festivals. This is the time when Chennai plays host to an illustrious set of musicians and dancers who are patronised by distinguished intelligent audiences, knowledgeable in their appreciation of the fine arts.”
“The 20th century also contributed many greats to the cultural tapestry of South India among whom notable personalities include Swati Tirunal, Annamacharya, Muthiah Bhagavatar, Arunagirinathar, Neelakanta Sivan and Papanasam Sivan. The very core of Carnatic music is its spirituality and quest for perfection,” said Purohit.
“Lord Shiva is considered to be the embodiment of Nadha and Thandava. Goddess Parvathi is seen as the embodiment of Lasya, the feminine quality. Goddess Saraswathi is associated with the Veena and Nandi is considered to be the master of Laya. Similarly Bharatanatyam traces its origins to the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni and also finds a mention in the ancient Tamil epic Silappathikaram. This dance form is generally used as a medium for narration of legends and ideas from religious texts and scriptures,” the Governor added.
Strong and vibrant cultures themselves nurture tolerance and justice. All cultures worth the name protect support and encourage diversity, and justice is the practical mechanism which enables them to do so, Banwarilal Purohit said.
On this occasion secretary, Meenakshi College for Women, K S Lakshmi, industrialist Nalli Kuppuswami Chetty, correspondent, Meenakshi Sundararajan Engineering College K S Babai and other dignitaries participated.