October ,the 15th. 2010 is memorable in many ways. The occasion was the First Indira Sivasailam Endowment Concert by Smt.Sudha Raghunathan jointly organized by The Music Academy, Madras and The Indira Sivsailam Endowment Fund. The hospitality of TISEF was very much in evidence right from the entrance of the venue. The invitees were extended a warm welcome and politely directed to the stalls where High Tea was being served. The whole atmosphere was brimming with festive spirit with colourful pendals which were brightly illuminated. The wide spread truly justified the term ‘High Tea’ which comprised nearly a dozen items :Jelbi, Badam halwa, two varieties of sevai, three varieties of chutney, pongal, avial, kuzli paniyaram, alu bonda, kaju pakoda, masala dosa, sambar and of course concluding with aromatic coffee, fresh juice and icecream (can anyone ask for more? we subsequently learnt that the catering was done by Aruvai Arasu). A couple of bedecked and bejeweled girls enthusiastically welcomed us at the entrance of the hall and the volunteers ushered us in. The rich backdrop of the stage took our breath away and it came as little surprise when we learnt it was the work of the famous Art Director Thotha Tarani.
The highlight of the event was conferring of the first Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal to Sudha Raghunathan by Mallika Srinivasan, Mr. Sivasailan’s daughter. Sudha commenced the concert with the varnam Veeriboni which was followed by some items that were Indira Sivasailam’s favourites. For once the audience took the announcement to switch off their mobiles seriously which was proof enough to show their undivided attention towards listening and enjoying the concert.
Thamboolams were given meticulously when we were making our way out inkeeping with the spirit of the Dushera festival. The whole event had a personal touch.
n.meera raghavendra rao
Just Li'Es 