Union Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh inaugurated the function by lighting a lamp.
“I have come here, not as a minister, but as a pilgrim and as a student to learn from this glorious musical heritage,” said Ramesh.
Emphasising the beneficial linkages of music to the environment Ramesh recalled the rich contributions of the late ‘ Bangalore ’ Nagarathinam Ammal, a dedicated disciple of the late Saint composer, in taking forward his legacy. The Union Shipping Minister G. K. Vasan was also present at the festival, organised by the ‘Thyagabrahma Mahotsava Sabha’.
Vasan accompanied by the environment minister visited Saint Thyagaraja’s renovated house. “This house should be a great inspiration and soul-force for all musicians,” said Vasan. The high-point of the Thyagaraja Aradhana is on Jan 24, when hundreds of musicians will pay homage to the musical seer.
(Published 21 January 2011, 16:52 IST)