The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Subrahmanyam's contribution to freedom struggle recalled

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 10, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Subrahmanyam's contribution to freedom struggle recalled

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JUNE 9. Glowing tributes were paid to the late film director, K. Subrahmanyam, on the occasion of his birth centenary celebrations here today.

Speakers recalled his contribution to the cause of freedom struggle, promotion and preservation of Indian art and culture, besides his social commitment. Subrahmanyam produced socially thought-provoking films. His entire family was dedicated to the development of the country's rich art and culture, they pointed out.

Recalling his long association with Subrahmanyam, the former President, R.Venkataraman, who presided, said the late director contributed to even small artistes rising to great heights. He and his family members rendered yeoman service in the field of performing arts, particularly in dance. Mr. Venkataraman pointed out how Subrahmanyam's film `Thyaga Bhoomi' was banned by the British for advocating the freedom struggle.

The head of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, said the director's family fostered culture and tradition. The junior acharya, Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi, said the high ideals of spiritualism were conveyed through dance, sculpture, painting and music so that they could be easily understood by the common man. Complimenting Subrahmanyam's family on promoting art and culture, he said it was good that the technological revolution was effectively used to convey the spiritual message to the people.

The Director K.Subrahmanyam Birth Centenary Awards of Distinction were given to M.S. Subbulakshmi, D.K.Pattammal, Ms. Padmini, B.Saroja Devi, B.S.Saroja, Rajasulochana, Saroja Ramamirtham, Mrs. Y.G.Parthasarathy, Dato L.Krishnan of Malaysia, V.Ranganathan, adviser, Indian Express, Mumbai, Padmanabhan (Pappan) and Vembattur Krishnan. The awards for Ms. Subbulakshmi, Mrs.Padmini and Mr.Ranganathan were received in absentia.

Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi released a commemoration volume. A documentary on the late director was screened.

Vijaykant, president, South Indian Artistes Association, said Subrahmanyam was the one who first started the artistes association. He introduced new equipment in film production. Kamal Haasan, film actor, recalled the director's courage in opposing the imperial rule.

S. Krishnaswamy, son of Subrahmanyam, said that in the first 50 years of the 20 century, the director carved a niche for himself, working along with the nationalist forces for the formation of a new Bharat. He dedicated his entire life to the cause.

Padma Subrahmanyam, danseuse, said the function was a historic day for the family.

S.V.Ramanan and Shan Chandrasekar spoke.

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