The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Another feather in her cap

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 13, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Another feather in her cap

Staff Reporter

Thanks to Meena Anantnarayan's path-breaking work, Ikebana has become a household name.

Meena Anantnarayan

HYDERABAD: This is not the first time that Meena Anantnarayan's devotion to Ikebana has been recognised.

But what distinguishes the `Award of Merits' bestowed on her by the Ohara School of Ikebana this year makes her the only Indian and one of the five foreigners outside Japan to receive this distinction for a life dedicated to this art of miniature flowers.

Ms. Anantnarayan, who has spent four decades perfecting the art, was invited to Japan in March last on the occasion of the 111th Anniversary of the Ohara School to receive the award.

To commemorate her achievements, Ikebana International, Hyderabad Chapter organised a felicitation ceremony for her on Tuesday at Shrishti Art Gallery. Chief guest Gayathri Ramachandran, Special Chief Secretary, who presented the award to Ms. Anatnarayan said: " All those who know her and have seen peace and warmth emanating from her decorations, will know why she has received the award," Ms. Ramachandran said. Ms. Anantnarayan began learning Ikebana in 1962 and later she became the founder member of Ohara Ikebana, Indian Chapter in Mumbai in 1969. She has taught over 2,00 students, given lecture demonstrations and exhibited her decorations, motivating many of her students to become professional teachers.

She went on to organise Ohara School of Ikebana in 1988 and the Ikebana International, Hyderabad Chapter in 1997. In recognition of her work spanning four decades she was awarded `Fifth Order of Honor' by Emperor of Japan in 2002. In 2003, Ms. Anantnarayan was awarded `Maiyo Ichijikin', the highest honour of Ohara School and made her the Honorary Life Member of the School.

Her name has been etched on the `Rock of Honor' at the school in Kobe, Japan.

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