Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday urged the Central government to confer the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, on maestro Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja at an event organised by the State governmentto commemorate Mr. Ilaiyaraaja’s 50 years in the film industry.
“I am making this request not just on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, but also on behalf of Ilaiyaraaja’s fans across the world. I hope it will be fulfilled,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that the State government would institute the “Isaignani Ilaiyaraja Award” for young musicians who achieve a milestone in the field of music. “When I learnt that he was going to perform a symphony in London, I visited his house and congratulated him on his achievement,” he said.
Mr. Stalin said that if Mr. Ilaiyaraaja had composed music for Sangam literary works such as Natrinai, Purananooru, Kuruntokai, and other texts, it would have been easier for everyone to memorise the verses.
“Normally, a request is made to a Chief Minister at a function. But I would like to make a request to Ilaiyaraaja. He should set the Sangam literary works to music. Your music will help carry these literary works to the next generation. I am sure that Raaja kaiya vecha adhu wrong-a pogadhu (Nothing will go wrong if it has Raaja’s touch),” he said.
