The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Swathi Ratna awarded to T.V. Gopalakrishnan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Swathi Ratna awarded to T.V. Gopalakrishnan

Staff Reporter

Award consists of a mirror, a citation and Rs. 20,000

CHENNAI: The ninth edition of the Swathi Ratna award, instituted by The Malayalee Club, was presented to musician T.V. Gopalakrishnan on Tuesday.

TVG, as he is popularly known, dedicated the award to the memory of his guru, the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.

The award consisted of a brilliantly crafted `Aranmula Kannadi' (mirror), a citation and Rs. 20,000.

After conferring the award, princess of Travancore H.H. Pooyam Thirunal Gowri Parvathy Bayi said Mr. Gopalakrishnan was a worthy recipient with his proficiency in various genres of music as well as his wholehearted encouragement of up and coming musicians.

She said the royal composer and her ancestor, Swathi Thirunal, also regarded music as without barriers and liberally encouraged artistes from all over the country.

Managing director of The Hindu and Music Academy president N. Murali referred to Mr. Gopalakrishnan as a versatile genius who dared to invent and innovate even while remaining secure in the tradition of carnatic music.

"He also has the ability to spot budding talent and bring them to the limelight," said Mr. Murali. He congratulated the organisers on having the concluding day of `Swathi Smrithi' festival on the Indian Independence day.

The five-day music and dance festival featured various artistes including eminent dancers and musicians.

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