T. S. Krishnamurthy, former Election Commissioner of India, presenting the awards to Mannargudi A. Easwaran, Meenakshi Chitharanjan, Neyveli Santhanagopalan and Mapillai Ganesh at the December Art Festival 2025-26 on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
The Brahma Gana Sabha and Rasika Ranjani Sabha Foundation, at their ‘December Art Festival 2025-26’, held on Thursday, awarded four distinguished artistes for their contributions to the cultural arts.
The Gaana Padhmam Award was presented to Neyveli Santhanagopalan, while the Vaadhya Padhmam Award went to Mannargudi A. Easwaran. The Naatya Padhmam Award was given to Meenakshi Chitharanjan, and the Naataka Padhmam Award was conferred upon Mapillai Ganesh.
Industrialist Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti shared several personal anecdotes and expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between the sabhas. During the ceremony, he also released the ‘Rasika Season Book’, a detailed guide providing a comprehensive schedule of events hosted across 35 sabhas during the Margazhi season.
T.S. Krishnamurthy, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, urged the sabhas to collaborate rather than compete with each other, to attract larger audiences, especially the youth. He said Brahma Gana Sabha will celebrate its 60th anniversary in four years, while the Rasika Ranjani Sabha Foundation will mark its centenary in 2029; and suggested that the two sabhas should consider merging their celebrations for a grand occasion.
A.R. Santhanakrishnan, Chairman of the Rasika Ranjani Sabha Foundation, announced that a roadmap is being formulated in anticipation of the centenary celebrations. He called for a debate on the changes needed in traditional music, which, while evolving, must remain anchored in cultural heritage.
Mr. Santhanakrishnan expressed hope that the collaboration between sabhas amid the advent of television, OTT, and social media, would reignite the golden era of Chennai’s concert halls, when they were filled to capacity.
Carnatic musician Nithyashree Mahadevan, who felicitated the awardees, said that only time would reveal the impact of the suggested changes. She emphasised that artistes should always answer to the call of rasikas (fans), whether abroad or at home.
Following the award ceremony, Sivasri Skandaprasad & Group presented the ‘Nama Prabhavam’ concert, captivating the audience with a vibrant performance.
Published – December 12, 2025 04:42 am IST
