Sun Dec 07 23:16:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Margazhi Matram Inaugurates Sixth Edition, Honors Artists and Embraces Inclusivity
Chennai, India – December 8, 2025 – The sixth edition of Margazhi Matram, an annual arts festival organized by SciArtsRUs and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, commenced on Sunday at the Mylapore Fine Arts Club with a ceremony honoring artists, particularly those with disabilities.
The Rani Maganty Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon veteran Carnatic vocalists S.R. Krishnamurthy and Ambika Kameshwar, Founder-Director of Rasa. Young vocalist Namagiripettai Gokulakrishnan received the Rising Star Apex Award. The Vasantha Ramachander Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Pranav Ramesh of Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalitha Music and Fine Arts University, which was received by Carnatic musician Nithyasree Mahadevan.
Highlighting the event was a unique sign language choir, “Mouna Ragam – Sounds of Silence,” featuring 200 hearing-impaired students from the Clarke School. The choir performed Tamil Thai Vazhthu, Manathil Uruthi vendum, and the national anthem using only sign language, with the audience participating in kind.
“This is the first step by us in trying to bring in sign language and other types of immersive aspects to enjoy music,” explained Ranjini Kaushik, curator of Margazhi Matram and founder of SciArtsRUs.
The performance resonated deeply with attendees. “We have heard the songs before, but today’s sign language choir was truly an emotional moment,” shared Carnatic vocalist S. Saketharaman.
The inauguration also featured speeches from prominent figures including Radhika Shurajit, Artistic Director of Thrayee School of Bharatanatyam, R. Sundar, secretary of Hamsadhwani Sabha, veteran violinist T.K. Padmanabhan, and Carnatic vocalist K.N. Shashikiran.
Margazhi Matram promises a diverse program of arts and cultural events throughout its duration, fostering inclusivity and celebrating talent across various disciplines.
First Piper 