Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi presenting Bhavan’s legendary award to singer Vani Jayaram at the inauguration of Bhavan’s Cultural Festival 2022, in Chennai on Friday. Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty, K.N. Ramaswamy, N. Ravi and Justice Anita Sumant are seen. , Photo Credit: KV Srinivasan
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi presented Bhavan’s legendary award to renowned playback singer Vani Jayaram on Friday.
During the inauguration of Bhawan’s Cultural Festival 2022 organized in collaboration with South Zone Cultural Centre, he said that Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has been at the forefront of preserving and propagating India’s culture.
Before independence, the leaders of our country realized the magnitude of the damage done to India during the colonial rule. “The British wanted to destroy the strength of this country, its cultural and spiritual unity. With this intention they attacked the education system and our institutions that bind us together.
He said that people like KM Munshi wanted to do something to preserve the culture and this led to the formation of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. “Today, when the country is trying to reach its destiny, trying to move forward, efforts are being made to break the fabric of our unity. At this time, the role of institutions like Bhavan becomes even more important,” he said.
Kasturi & Sons Ltd and N Ravi, president of the Bhavan’s Chennai centre, said the institution was set up to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage. “We have been fortunate to conduct this program without a break even during the pandemic, while following the COVID-19 protocols and earning the trust of the people,” he added.
Justice Anita Sumanth of the Madras High Court said Vani Jayaram has the unique distinction of being able to foray into the world of classical and popular music. He added that during the Madras Music Festival, the city sees international visitors congregate here to taste the best menu that music has to offer.
Responding to the honour, Ms Jayaram said she was honored to receive such an award from a prestigious institution which is “spreading the values of our culture”.
Portraits of Gyanamba and P. Obul Reddy were unveiled on the occasion.
Bhavan’s Chennai Center Director KN Ramaswamy and Bhavan’s Chennai Center Vice President Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty spoke.