Shri Kadakampally Surendran, Priyappetta Tourism Manthri,
Shri V.K. Prasanth, Mayor,
Smt. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Tourism Department,
Shri Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Tourism,
Shri V.K. Madhu, President, District Panchayat,
Shri Palayam Rajan, Municipal Councilor,
Sangeetha Aaswaadakare,
Madhyama Suhruthukkale,
Priyappetta Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to address this august gathering of music lovers, eagerly awaiting the magic of Nishagandhi Monsoon Raagas-2019, organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.
I recall having inaugurated the first edition of this music festival last year, on the 15th of July, when the monsoon had actually set in. This year, the rains have come a little late, but the Monsoon Raagas are here, on time, at Nishagandhi Auditorium, which has become Kerala's most enchanting venue for music and dance.
Let me therefore, compliment the Department of Tourism for organizing this Festival ofRaagasandfor instituting the Nishagandhi Sangeetha Puraskaramfrom this year onwards. I am happy that great and senior musicians Smt. Parassala B. Ponnammal andShri T.V. Gopalakrishananhave been selected for this award, which is to be presented on the 24th of July.
I also extend my hearty greetings to all the celebrated artistes who would be performing in the Monsoon Raagas-2019.I am certain that the performances by renowned artistes like Sangeet Samraat Chitra Veena N. Ravikiran, Grammy Award WinnerPandit Viswa Mohan Bhatt,Ustad Rafiq Khan, Vidushi S. Saumya, Ghazal Maestro Jaswinder Singh and others, would elevate this festival to international fame.
I am informed that the Music Festivalwould also present a feast of Indian folk-lore and fusion music.
As we all know, this Festival marks Kerala's successful entry into the area of Music tourism, which attracts travelers to cities or towns all over the world. Overall, an estimated 10 million people are known to travel internationally every year to get a feel of music or cultural festivals. We have great examples like the Summer Fest of the United States of America, which alone attracts lakhs of visitors every year. I sincerely hope that the popularity of Nishagandhi Monsoon Music Festival,which brings alive the music and rhythm of the Monsoon would also rise to such levels.
It is almost one year since we suffered the ravages of an unprecedented flood. We had seen the rage of the monsoon and the roar of the landslides. But, our unity in adversity had helped our State to make a comeback in many areas including Tourism. The tremendous participation received by this Music Festivalindicates our collective will and ability to celebrate Nature which has also blessed us with her bounty.
It is this Nature's bounty which enables us to feel a celestial touch in the patter of the rains, the humming of the wind and the distant rumble of thunder. The harmony of the Raagas we are about to hear would certainly enrich our minds with the sunshine of optimism.
While complimenting the efforts of all people involved in organizing this Festival, I would also suggest the conduct of similar Festivals in other cities and districts with a thrust on folk music. We could even consider bringing together the traditional music of the Asian nations, just to feel the unity of cultures. After all, the language and the impact of music are the same everywhere.
I once again greet all the artistes who have arrived to perform here and wish that Nishagandhi Monsoon Raagas-2019 would get globally noticed as the flag of Kerala’s devotion to music.
I also compliment the Department of Tourism for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Raaga Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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