Isai Natya Nataka Vizha inaugurated at Narada Gana Sabha

Chitra Visweswaran honored with 'Nadhabrahmam' title at Isai Natya Nataka Vizha, showcasing dedication to Bharatanatyam.

The title of ‘Nadhabrahmam’ was conferred on bharatanatyam exponent Chitra Visweswaran on Friday at the inaugural event of the Isai Natya Nataka Vizha at the Narada Gana Sabha here.

While the Gottuvadyam Narayana Iyengar Award was presented to mridangam exponent Mannargudi A. Easwaran, the Tirunelveli P. Subramania Iyer Award was given to thavil exponent Mannargudi M.R. Vasudevan on the occasion.

Justice V. Ramasubramanian, former Judge of the Supreme Court, said Ms. Visweswaran had exhibited complete dedication to the art form. He added it was no small feat to run an institution such as the Narada Gana Sabha so successfully for many decades. He said both Mr. Easwaran and Mr. Vasudevan richly deserve the awards.

Ms. Visweswaran said, “In the most difficult moments in one’s life, art gives you the strength to hang on. It gives supreme control over your being. It [dance] has helped me tide over difficult situations in my life.”

Mohan Sreenivas, president of the Narada Gana Sabha, said that this year, there would be over 150 programmes of music, dance and drama, with the participation of 450 artists. Several persons were also presented with various endowment awards at the event.