News & Notes
T.R. Govindarajan presenting the Parlandu Award
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The Parlandu Award for Music Craftsmen instituted by Parivadini was presented to tavil-maker Paramasivam by renowned tavil vidwan Tanjavur T.R. Govindarajan, at a function held in December 2017 in Chennai. V. Ramnarayan, Editor-in-chief, Sruti and Lalitharam of Parivadini participated.
'Parlandu' alias Fernandes was the trusted mridangam-maker for Palghat Mani Iyer for years. The annual award in the name of this master craftsman is given to those engaged in the making as well as maintenance of musical instruments. The previous awardees are Selvam, son of Parlandu (for mridangam in 2013), Varadan (for mridangam in 2014), Raju (for veena in 2015) and Ramesh (for ghatam in 2016).
The awardee for 2017 was Paramasivam whose contribution lies in simplifying some of the processes in tavil-making without compromising on the aesthetics of the traditional instrument with respect to either appearance or output of the nadam. The innovative improvisations (like replacing the tough bamboo rims of the tavil with steel) have been made in consultation with veteran tavil vidwans like Govindarajan who said that modifications are inevitable. He recalled bygone times wherein maintenance of instruments posed grave problems to artists as well as instrument makers. The metal rim is quite a revolutionary innovation, he said.
V. Ramnarayan, Editor-in-Chief, Sruti who spoke on the occasion, appreciated the initiatives of Parivadini in recognising the contribution of craftsmen in the field of performing arts. He paid rich tributes to traditional arts and artists and the need for projecting them in the mainstream. In his acceptance speech, the awardee Paramasivam thanked Parivadini, the tavil vidwans, as well as other artists and institutions who endorsed his innovations and continue to encourage him in his pursuits.