Veteran singer Swaminathan honoured

Chennai, Jan 6 (UNI) Veteran singer Dharmapuram P Swaminathan, a devout soul dedicated to the saintly compositions of Thevaram Thiruppugazh, was felicitiated by an association of the famous Vadapalani Murugan temple in the city today.

He was felicitated in recognition of the recent conferrment of the ''Pannisai Tamizhmamani'' title by PMK founder-leader S Ramadoss.

Swaminathan, a recepient of the Tamil Nadu's 'Kalaimamani Award' during the erstwhile MGR regime, was presented a flower crown and a cash purse of Rs 5,001 by the Vadapalani Murugan Makkal Welfare Association President D K Vaithialingam.

The Vadapalani Vengeeswarar Kovil administration also felicitated the musician on the occasion.

Born in Thanjavur district in 1923, his early training in Thevara Isai began at the Dharmapuram Thevara Tamizhisai Palli under Tirumurai Kalanidhi R Velayudha Oduvar.

His musical career, which spans over nearly six decades, is full of devotional pursuits and propagation of Thevara Isai.

His association with several temple renovation projects and his voluntary contribution through his music towards such noble endeavours form an endless list.

He had been an A Grade artiste of AIR since 1952. He had 12 discs and 700 audio cassettes to his credit.

Mr Swaminathan was also honoured with the Isai Perarignar title by the Tamizh Isai Sangam in 1986.

UNI GV RL KP1820