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NRI FESTIVAL OF HAMSADHWANI INAUGURATED
  
Hamsadhwani, the ten-year old Sabha that has recently been in the news a lot, opened its sixth NRI Festival series last night at a well-organised function. After the usual prayer, the kuthivilakku was lit by Mrs. Mariam Ram. Then Sri Ramachandran, the Secretary of Hamsadhwani delivered the welcome address. While welcoming one and all, he took the opportunity to directly address several issues that have caused Hamsadhwani to be in the news. He explained that the NRI series was not a money-making venture, but that while Hamsadhwani requested the NRIs to become their patron members, they also paid them remuneration for their concerts on par with the local musicians. He also said that Hamsadhwani was planning to start a food and health clinic in the near future.

Mrs. Mariam Ram lights the kuthivilakku. Also in the picture (left to right): Mrs. Rachana Kumar, Mr. Srikrishna, Mr. Chitravina Ravikiran, Mrs. Sudha Raghunathan and Mr. R Ramachandran
   

Musical feature Vinayaka Vaibhavam by Chitravina Ravikiran and his disciples

 His speech was followed by that of Mr. Srikrishna, of the Carnatic Music Association of North America who appreciated the efforts of Indian organisations abroad and that of the local ones like Hamsadhwani in preserving, propagating and keeping alive Carnatic music. The Chief Guest of the evening was Smt. Sudha Raghunathan who felicitated Hamsadhwani on their achievements with a well-prepared speech. Finally, it was the turn of Justice Smt. Prabha Sridevan, who gave an equally thought-provoking speech.

The function came to a close with the vote of thanks. The inaugural programme was a musical feature entitled "Vinayaka Vaibhavam", a creation of Chitravina N Ravikiran. A well-attended event, it was received with much warmth and won a lot of acclaim.
    

Posted on 19th December 2000

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