Recognising talents in field of music and dance

Rudraksham Awards are bestowed annually to eminent artistes in the field of music and dance. The aim of the award is to recognise exemplary achievement and contribution to culture. In a glittering ceremony that was held at the Tiruvallavur Kalai Arangam, Delhi Tamil Sangam, two renowned musicians and a classical danseuse were bestowed with this year's honours – in the presence of culture lovers and connoisseurs.

Eminent Mridangam player P Vetriboopathy Taal Mani – who has been instrumental in conceptualising the Rudraksham Awards, welcomed the eminent artistes.

The Award ceremony began with a Mridangam performance by Karthik Sengupta, the young disciple of Vetriboopathy. Karthik's prowess in handling the musical instrument, left the audience spellbound.

Renowned percussionist Kalaimamani Vidwan V G Balasubramanian, Sangeet Natak Academy awardee flutist Pandit Rajendra Prasanna, and well-known Kuchipudi exponent Meenu Thakur, were awarded for achievements in their respective fields of expertise.

The occasion was graced by Chhaya Sharma, Deputy Inspector General, NHRC; Rishi Kumar Vashisht, Director, CCRT; Guru A Premkumar; Y Penneswaran and Dr R Mukunthan of Delhi Tamil Sangam.