Isai Mandram is a music association started to promote pure form of ancient Tamil music popularly known as the tamizh Isai throughout Tamil Nadu. The current president of the association is Judge P.R.Gopalakrishnan. [1] The main premises are located in Chennai city. [1]
It was founded in 1943 by Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar, designed to promote Tamil music. [2] Since the 1940s, the association has supported a college, the Tamil Isai Sangam College, for the instruction of Tamil music. [3]
Every month, the association has hosted a musical festival promoting the understanding of Tamil music. [1] The association has heavily attempted to increase aware of pure Tamil Music(Tamil Isai), that have been declining in popularity in modern India. [4] During the music festival, Tamil Isai Sangam rewards prominent classical artists for their craft. [4] The 11th President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, once sung at the festival with a song he composed himself, to the surprise of the media. [5] As the festival is popular in India, Kalam later explained he was using it as a venue promote the inclusion of music in the school curriculum. [5]
Kalakshetra Foundation, formerly simply Kalakshetra, is an arts and cultural academy dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in Indian art and crafts, especially in the field of Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music. Based in Chennai, India, the academy was founded in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale and her husband George Arundale. Under Arundale's guidance, the institution achieved national and international recognition for its unique style and perfectionism. In 1962, Kalakshetra moved to a new 40-hectre campus in Besant Nagar, Chennai.
The culture of Chennai, popularly called the "Gateway to the South India", is distinct from that of any other Indian city. Being a cosmopolitan hub, the city's culture reflects its diverse population that has resulted in a unique blend. Though a modern metropolis, Chennai continues to be traditional and conventional in certain ways. Traditional music, dance and all other art forms of Tamil Nadu are very popular in the city. One can find a peculiar cultural blend in city, from traditional foods to fast foods, from ancient temple architecture to modern high-rises, and from classical music and dance to the growing nightlife.
Muthiah Annamalai Chidambaram was an Indian industrialist and cricket administrator. He was the youngest son of Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar, Raja of Chettinad.
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