The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Bringing people together through music

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 18, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Bringing people together through music

M.J. Prabu

For over 20 years, T.V.K. Shastry has been spearheading the cause of integration

Chennai: For over two decades, the Bharat Cultural Integration Committee (BCIC) and its sister concern the Madras Telugu Academy (MTA) have played a major role in projecting the message of universal integration through the medium of fine arts.

Founded by T.V.K. Shastry, chief convener and the man responsible for conducting these programmes, the BCIC and the MTA have so far conducted more than 30 national programmes on music and dance all over the country. Identifying talent in fine arts, offering artists from all backgrounds a platform to perform and supporting them with the essential publicity back-up, are all part of the twin organisations' mission

For over 20 years, Mr. Shastry has been working to bring talented people to the fore. "These programmes provide a free platform for talented persons to perform and two, the audience can enjoy good music from a variety of performers free," he said. Admission to all its festivals and presentations are free. Invitations are given on a first-come-first-served basis.

According to Mr. Shastry, with the completion of 31 national festivals, and spirit of unity concerts for universal integration in all major centres of the country, the BCIC and MTA have achieved huge success in bringing people together through fine arts — irrespective of their caste, creed, region or religion -- under a common platform.

On why he chose music and dance as a thread for uniting the masses, he says, "Music is the only medium, which transcends all barriers. Also the aim of good music is to touch the soul," he said.

The Bharath Cultural Integration Committee conducts `The Spirit of Unity Concerts for Universal Integration' every year, in different parts of the country.

"The concert spread over a period of five-six days is attended by a number of fans where leading musicians and dancers participate."

"The twin organisations also award scholarships to meritorious students and provides financial help for deserving candidates to pursue their education and to sick persons who need for money for treatment. "

Mr. T.V.K Shastry can be contacted at No. 25, Malony Road, T. Nagar, Chennai 600017, phone: 24340326

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