The 2024 finals of Kala Vidya, a music competition for the differently abled, concluded on Nov.23 at the Muthamizh Peravai T.N. Rajarathinam Mandram, R.A.Puram. Organised by ‘Alapana’, a public charitable trust founded by Kalaimamani O.S.Arun, the event aimed to provide a platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talent in Carnatic and film music.
Co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Coromandel, Karna Vidya Foundation, and MDnD as the event partner, the competition drew 70 registrations from across Tamil Nadu. After auditions, 10 finalists (five in each category) were mentored personally by O.S. Arun.
The chief guest, director and actor K.Bhagyaraj, praised the extraordinary abilities of the participants and presented the awards. The distinguished judging panel included Nithyasree Mahadevan, Sikkil Mala Chandrasekhar, Mukesh Mohamed, and keyboard artist Vijai Shankar, who expressed their admiration for the talent on display.
The winners in the Film Music category were Karthik Kumar (Rs.50,000), R.Praveena (Rs.30,000), and D.M.Vinay Krishna (Rs15,000). Manasy Menon and K.S.Vishal secured the 4th and 5th positions, each receiving Rs.5,000. In Carnatic Music, Aditya Mohan claimed the top prize of Rs.50,000, followed by Navin Prabhu (Rs.30,000), and M.Gopal (Rs.15,000). R.Samaya Ishwarya and S.S.Priyavadhana were awarded the 4th and 5th prizes, respectively.
The event not only celebrated musical excellence but also underscored the potential of differently abled artists. For more details, contact 99401 52520.
