Coimbatore: Tamil Development and Information Minister MU Saminathan said that drum music is an ancient symbol of Tamilness.
The ‘World Public Music Drum Conference 2023’ was held yesterday at Tavathiru Santalinga Adikalar Arts and Science Tamil College, Coimbatore, under the auspices of Nimrivu Kalayakam and Peruradine Educational Institutions. Perur Adhinam Marudachal Adikalar presided. Minister M. P. Saminathan, who participated as a special guest in the event, said:
The late former Chief Minister Karunanidhi had the Tamil Development Department under his control. I am now a minister for this very important department. As the artist’s centenary has begun, various committees have been formed to take creative steps for the development of Tamil.
Drum music is an ancient symbol of Tamilness. Drums are also used in temple festivals and funerals. Not only men but now also women have started playing this instrument. During the period of kings these instruments were used to announce to the public.
This has also been reported in Tolkapiyam and much importance has been given. The pension for retired artistes has been increased from two thousand rupees to three thousand rupees and the number of pensioners has been increased from six thousand to seven thousand.
An allocation of Rs.11 crore has been made for our village festival. Part-time country music teachers will be appointed soon in government colleges. Eligible artists can benefit from various schemes of the government along with Folk Artist Welfare Board. Thus he spoke.
As part of the convention, more than 300 artistes banded together and played drums simultaneously, standing in a formation of 1330 titled Tirukkural Parapada. Earlier, Minister Saminathan conducted an inspection at the Government Music College, Malumichambatti.