Vice President confers lifetime achievement awards to Indian legends

T N Krishnan, Ratan Thiyam and Satish Gujral get Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Award 2018

Three visionaries in their respective fields – Shilpa Guru Satish Gujral, Sangeet Guru T N Krishnan, and Natya Guru Ratan Thiyam were awarded this year's 'Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Awards.'

Announcing the names of the awardees, Chairman of the Awards Committee and former Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh commented that this award is a recognition of the living legends for igniting young minds with the rich heritage of Indian art. In a colorful program held on August 31, the awardees were handed over gold plaques with an angavastra and cash awards by M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India

Speaking on the occasion Naidu said, "This is really a moment of pride because the 'Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Awards' have gained appreciation from the cultural community. These awards are an appreciation for artists whose contribution in the field of theatre, music and fine arts is well recognized not only in India but all over the world."

Founded by Dipayan Mazumdar, 'Legends of India' has been connecting the younger generations with classical music and other traditional art forms of India by holding regular performances and discourses in the country and abroad since 1999. Simultaneously, the living legends of music, dance, drama, visual arts and other related fields have been conferred 'Lifetime Achievement Awards' since 2002.

Mazumdar said, "All of us need to do much more for the sustenance of the traditional art forms. If they are not made a part of our basic education syllabi, they will soon become mere showpieces." "I am honored, privileged and humbled. I thank god and my gurus for their blessings" said T N Krishnan.

"The Legends of India's efforts in preserving and promoting the Indian art and culture are commendable," said Satish Gujral, who graciously donated the token amount of the award towards the Kerala Relief Fund.

Inspired by this gesture, Dipayan Mazumdar, Founder Chairman, LOI, announced that Legends of India would donate the same amount to help the victims of Kerala floods.