Justice K.S. Bakthavatsalam, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Kala Kendra was the chief guest. And he was performing the role of a 'compere' too as he spoke about the background and achievements of each awardee before honouring them. And at every point, he mentioned that though it was quite late, it was a welcome gesture that at least this year these veterans from south India were honoured. And he thanked the Govt. of India for this.

While some of the awardees couldn't make it that evening, those who took part were musicians P.S. Narayanaswamy, Madurai N. Krishnan, Rajam Iyer and dance guru Padma Subrahmanyam who receive the 'Padma Bhushan' and dancer Malavika Sarukkai and arts promoter Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti who receive the 'Padma Shri'.

Trichur Ramachandran was represented by his vocalist-wife Charumathi Ramachandran and Umayalpuram Sivaraman was also represented by his wife.

On behalf of the awardees, Nalli was called to reply and for a wonder his speech lasted just two minutes!! (It is usually never this short).

Mrs. Y.G. Parthasarathy, Secretary, Bharat Kalachar was present on the occasion and Y.G. Mahendra gave the vote of thanks which was as usual not devoid of the humourous element. He added that Bharat Kalachar chose to honour the awardees even before they officially 'received' the award from the President of India, since he considered this a family get together which did not require formalities.

The event was followed by a cultural programme put up by the students of the PSBB school.

Contact: A12, Thirumalai Road,Chennai-17,Phone no:2817 3596, 2827 3596.

The presentation ceremony of the Padma Awards is scheduled to be held on 3 April at New Delhi.