Madras Telugu Academy awards presented

HONOUR: Maharashtra Governor S.M.Krishna presents `Samaikya Bharath Swarnapurashkar' to Shalom Hills International School founder Lilly George in Chennai on Sunday. (From left) Madras Telugu Academy Founder T.V.K.Sastry, former CEC T.N.Seshan and act or Akkineni Nageswara Rao are in the picture. — Photo: S.R.Raghunathan

CHENNAI : Fifty eminent and upcoming personalities in various fields were honoured with సమైఖ్య భారత్ గౌరవ్ సత్కార్ (Samaikya Bharath Gaurav Satkar 2007) of the Madras Telugu Academy at a glittering ceremony here on Sunday.

Maharashtra Governor S.M.Krishna gave away the awards to veteran actress P.Anjali Devi, art director Thota Tharani, Bharatanatyam exponent Srekala Bharath and Kuchipudi danseuse Swathy Somanath and others.

This year's సమైఖ్య భారత్ స్వర్ణపురస్కార్ (Samaikya Bharath Swarnapurashkar) comprising a cash award of slightly over Rs. 1 lakh was conferred on Shalom Hills International School founder and managing director Lilly George.

Twelve child prodigies, including the four-year old P.Venkata Nagadheeraj for his memory power and the 14-year old Veena artiste R. Sriram were also honoured.

Appreciating the efforts of the Academy, which aimed at national and cultural integration, Mr. Krishna stressed the significance of individual commitment to the nation's progress. Despite the disparities the country, he added, has emerged as a strong positive force with its eight per cent growth for three consecutive years.

Commending Lilly George, he said she has been spreading the message of harmony and unity through the medium of theatre, dance and music. Through her social service activities, she was also reaching out to the underprivileged children and women.

Former chief election commissioner T.N. Seshan urged like-minded organisations and citizens to strive for national integrity. He appreciated the Madras Telugu Academy founder T.V.K Sastry for organising the cultural festival as the event enabled the younger generation to know its roots.

Veteran actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao said he was impressed with the initiatives and activities of the 27-year-old Academy, including those to bring artistes of all states under roof at its functions.

About 30 toppers in tenth standard of various states and union territories were given scholarship of Rs.6, 000 each.

Courtesy: The Hindu