Tamil Isai Sangam has democratised music by making it accessible to all, says Vairamuthu

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister presents award to Vairamuthu at Tamil Isai Sangam's golden jubilee celebration.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented ‘Muthamizh Perarignar’ award to Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu on the occasion of Tamil Isai Sangam’s golden jubilee celebration at Rajah Muthiah Mandram here on Monday. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Thennarasu said, “I was hesitant to present the award to Mr. Vairamuthu at first, as he was previously awarded the title ‘Kaviperarasu’ by my mentor M. Karunanidhi.”  At the same time, he said, he was happy to be present on a stage along with people in whose college he studied engineering. “Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar who started Annamalai University provided education to lakhs of students, including me,” he said.  

Commenting on the works of Mr. Vairamuthu, he said his literary works stood taller than his works in the film world.  

Narrating former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai’s visit to Chettinad house after he took charge as Chief Minister, he said, though he was criticised for visiting such an affluent place, he aptly replied that it was not for the wealth but for the family’s contribution to the safeguarding and reviving of Tamil music tradition. 

Tamil music is unique and more than that Tamil language itself speaks about the intricacies of music and its nuances.  

“Tamil literary works such as ‘Thiruvarutpa’ and ‘Thiruvasagam’ have a rich presence of musical notes,” Mr. Thennarasu noted.  

There used to be a time when Tamil songs were looked down upon and it was sacrilegious to sing Tamil move songs on stages, but the language has withstood all obstacles on its growth, he said.