Wed Dec 17 19:18:33 UTC 2025: Summary:
The 93rd South Indian Music Conference and Festival, organized by the Indian Fine Arts Society, commenced in Chennai. At the event, violinists Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi were honored with the “Sangeetha Kalasikhamani” title. IIT-Madras Director V. Kamakoti emphasized the importance of introducing children to music early, highlighting the Vedic origins of classical music. Other prominent figures like Nalli Kuppuswami Chetty and Cleveland V.V. Sundaram lauded the Society’s efforts in recognizing and promoting artists. Kathak and Bharathnatyam dancers Nirupama and Rajendra, theatre artist Dharini Komal, mridangam artist J. Vaidhyanathan, and Carnatic vocalist Mangalam Shankar also received awards.
News Article:
Chennai Celebrates South Indian Music at 93rd Annual Conference
CHENNAI, INDIA – December 18, 2025 – The Indian Fine Arts Society kicked off its 93rd South Indian Music Conference and Festival yesterday in Chennai, celebrating the rich tradition of Carnatic music and honoring distinguished artists.
The prestigious “Sangeetha Kalasikhamani” title was bestowed upon renowned violinists Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi at the event held at the Ethiraja Kalyana Mandapam in Alwarpet.
IIT-Madras Director V. Kamakoti, speaking at the ceremony, underscored the cultural significance of music, urging parents and grandparents to instill a love for it in children from a young age. He emphasized the Vedic roots of classical music, stating, “Swaras come from Vedas, and hence, music has originated from Vedas.”
Industrialist Nalli Kuppuswami Chetty praised the Indian Fine Arts Society for its meticulous planning. Cleveland V.V. Sundaram commended the organization’s dedication to nurturing emerging talent, recalling the early recognition given to the late mandolin maestro U. Srinivas.
Other notable awards presented included the Natya Kalasikhamani to Kathak and Bharathnatyam exponents Nirupama and Rajendra, the Kalasikhamani Award to theatre artist and director Dharini Komal, the Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman Award to mridangam vidwan J. Vaidhyanathan, and the GNB Award to Carnatic vocalist Mangalam Shankar.
The conference and festival are expected to continue showcasing the talent and heritage of South Indian classical music.
First Piper 