Governor gives away Sangeet Akademi awards

MUMBAI, December 26: Noted Indian classical singer Gangubai Hangal, Guru Ammannur Madhav Chakyar and theatre personality Habib Tanvir were ...

MUMBAI, December 26: Noted Indian classical singer Gangubai Hangal, Guru Ammannur Madhav Chakyar and theatre personality Habib Tanvir were today awarded fellowships of the Sangeet Natak Akademi at the hands of Maharashtra Governor Dr P C Alexander for their outstanding contributions. The Governor also gave away the Akademi awards for 1996 in a specially organised function at Raj Bhavan to 24 other distinguished artists in the field of drama, music and dance.

They include Debu Chaudhari, T K Govinda Rao, Guruvayur Dorai Krishna Iyer, Marathi theatre director Purushottam Darwhekar, Dr Mohan Agashe, G P Deshpande and I Joseph Kaimaparamban, a release issued by Raj Bhavan said.

In his brief address explaining the unique features of the Indian concept of art, the governor said art according to the ancient concept was not merely for entertainment or amusement. It was a part of the realisation of the ultimate reality. Like Dnyana and Bhakti (knowledge and faith), it was a means for realising the Super Being. For the musician and the dancer, his art is worship.

Another unique feature of the Indian concept of art, he pointed out, was that it was a manifestation of divine beauty. God, according to Indian culture, was not only truth but also the ultimate in beauty (Sundaram). Every sound, form or rhythm is an attempt to interpret this beauty of the divine. The Governor complemented the recipients of the awards for retaining high standards of excellence and also for the purity of the traditions.