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.