Keeping the legacy of the renowned carnatic musician and legendary singer Papanasam Sivan alive, his 123rd Jayanthi Mahotsavam was celebrated in the city recently.

The whole week of the Jayanthi Mahotsavam was filled with many music and dance events, and concerts by famous singers.

Singer Nithyashree Mahadevan was conferred the title ‘Sivanisai Selvi’ by Papanasam Sivan Rasikar Mandram. The title is given to an acclaimed singer every year during the celebrations.

Rukmini Ramani, daughter of Brahmasri Papanasam Sivan and secretary of Papanasam Sivan Rasikar Sangam, started the function with her composition of Kapaleeshwarar Pancha rathinam that was rendered along with her students.

This was followed by the prize distribution for the vocal and dance competitions that were conducted earlier this month. The prizes were distributed by distinguished guests like L Sabaretnam, chairman of Kartik Fine arts, along with T V Gopalakrishnan, Padma Bhushan Awardee and a carnatic and Hindustani musician. R Krishnaswamy, president of Papanasam Sivan Rasikar Mandram, was also present in the occasion. He shared anecdotes from Sivan’s life and his immortal contributions. Everybody in their speech mentioned Papanasam Sivan’s extraordinary talents and the simplicity with which he lived his life. They also mentioned his immense contribution to Tamil cinema.

“He is one of those gurus who gave a new dimension to cinema music in the 1930s and 40s. His greatness should be kept alive by spreading his krithis across the world,” said Krishnaswamy.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / October 01st, 2013