The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Award conferred on Sikkil Sisters

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 13, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Award conferred on Sikkil Sisters

Staff Reporter

M.S. Subbulakshmi brought about national integration through music: Governor

BANGALORE: Governor T.N. Chatrurvedi on Sunday said the State needed a Minister for Kannada and Culture to promote and popularise its rich culture and heritage.

Speaking at the inauguration of Geethanjali 2006 organised at the ISKCON Temple complex by Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation, the Governor said it is unfortunate that the State did not have a Minister for Kannada and Culture for the last two years.

Appreciating the efforts made by the former Kannada and Culture Minister Rani Satish, who was present, the Governor said: "Ms. Satish did her best to promote Kannada and Culture when she was Minister. I feel we need a person who can promote and popularise Kannada and the rich culture of Karnataka with dedication, concentration and devotion."

The Governor, who also conferred the Bharatratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Memorial Sangeetha Ratna Award on Sikkil Sisters, pointed out that the late M.S. Subbulakshmi had become a symbol of national integration through music.

"Charity was close to the heart of MS and her contributions to several religious and social causes were immense. She donated the entire proceeds of the Ramon Magsaysay Award to Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

"I wonder if our Bollywood actors, who make a lot of money through advertisements itself, are donating as MS did," he said.

Earlier, the Governor released a VCD on the life and achievements of MS.

Ms. Rani Satish, who released a souvenir brought out by Sri Lalithkala Academy Foundation, said it was appropriate that the Sikkil Sisters were being felicitated in the month of International Women's Day.

Chairman of Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation K. Ramavittaldas, Secretary B.S.S. Rao, ISKCON President Madhu Pandit Das and T.R. Atmanathan and Natarajan from Chennai spoke.

In his address, Mr. Rao, foundation's secretary, said the award has been instituted by B.R. Thandaveshwara Rao in memory of his parents, Savitramma and B. Ramachandra Rao.

Mala Chandrashekar, daughter of one of the Sikkil Sisters, Neela, accepted the award on behalf of her aunt, Kunjumani, who could not make it to the function. They later presented a flute recital to mark the inauguration of Geethanjali 2006.

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