The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Rotary Club honours SPB, Sivasankari and Jhunjhunwala

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 14, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Rotary Club honours SPB, Sivasankari and Jhunjhunwala

Staff Reporter

"What comes through is their passion and commitment"

IN RECOGNITION: Sivasankari (second from left) and S.P. Balasubramanyam (extreme right) with N. Murali, Joint Managing Director, The Hindu (extreme left), E.R. Sreevatsa, president, Rotary Club and District Governor R. Shyamsundar, in Chenna i on Monday. — Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

CHENNAI: Playback singer S.P. Balasubramanyam, writer Sivasankari and Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT-Madras were honoured by the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk here on Monday.

"My becoming a singer has made me believe in destiny. I have never aspired to become one.

"But it's a real blessing to be a musician and to be able to soothe somebody's pain," said S.P. Balasubramanyam, who was honoured with the `Cultural Icon Award'.

Memories

The legendary singer, who has sung over 36,000 numbers to his credit in different languages, recalled his experience of singing for the film "Adimai Penn".

M.G. Ramachandran postponed his scheduled shoot in Rajasthan for the sake of S.P.B, who was unwell then.

At the end of his speech, he sang a few lines from his hits in various languages.

Mr. Balasubramanyam concluded with a verse from `Pibarae Ramarasam'. Strains of his Ahir Bhairav gave the audience the essence of his achievements over four decades.

Inspirations

Ms. Sivasankari, who was awarded the `Life Time Achievement Award', said there were several people, who inspired her in many ways.

"I don't like being called a social activist or a social worker, as it is our duty to give back something to the society that has given us so much," she said.

Prof. Jhunjhunwala, who has been working towards taking technology to rural areas, was away for a UNESCO meet in Paris.

His wife Bhavani Jhunjhunwala received the `For the Sake of Honour Award' on his behalf. A video recording of his address was played at the venue.

Expresses happiness

Chief Guest for the evening function N. Murali, Joint Managing Director, The Hindu said he was very happy to be part of the event, in which three outstanding personalities were honoured.

Referring to the speeches by the awardees, Mr. Murali said, "What comes through is their passion and commitment, not only in their chosen fields but also to the society."

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