Chennai, January 25 (NationPress) Velu Aasan, the renowned Parai artist hailing from Tamil Nadu, shared his profound excitement and thankfulness after being awarded the esteemed Padma Shri.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Velu Aasan stated, “I am at a loss for words. This honor is not solely for me, but for the entire community of artists dedicated to advancing traditional Parai art worldwide.”

“I am thrilled that Tamils across the globe are extending their congratulations. It is uplifting to witness the Parai being recognized on an international scale. Parai is universal, akin to education and divinity. It breaks through the boundaries of community and region,” he remarked.

Often dubbed the “Prince of Parai,” Velu Aasan has devoted his life to safeguarding and promoting this time-honored art form. He acquired his skills in Parai under the mentorship of his elder brothers, Malaichaami Vaadhiyaar and Saegu Vaadhiyaar, exhibiting remarkable dedication and persistence.

His inaugural public performance at a village festival in Alanganallur, Madurai, received enthusiastic acclaim. Nevertheless, his path was fraught with challenges. Despite gaining public recognition, Velu Aasan encountered opposition from his family, compelling him to cease performing for a span of eight years. During this period, he engaged in various jobs but never relinquished his passion for music.

“Even when I wasn’t playing the Parai, I discovered ways to create music with whatever materials were around,” he reminisced.

Eventually, Velu Aasan returned to the world of Parai and established the Alanganallur Thappisai Kuzhu, now recognized as the largest Parai music ensemble in Tamil Nadu. Their dynamic performances are integral to cultural events and festivals, with their videos achieving tremendous popularity on platforms such as YouTube.

Traditionally a male-centric art form, Parai has experienced a significant transformation under Velu Aasan’s guidance. He has opened the pathway for learning to all who are interested, irrespective of gender, inspiring a new generation of artists and promoting inclusivity within the art.

He remarked, “This award acknowledges not only my contributions but also the cultural significance of Parai. It’s astonishing to witness the progress of this traditional art form, evolving from a village custom to receiving global recognition.”

The Parai drum occupies a vital role in Tamil culture, with its historical roots traced back to ancient texts like the Thirukkural. Its rhythmic sounds have accompanied various events, from celebrations to periods of mourning, and have even been linked to battles in Tamil history.

Today, the lively music of Parai has permeated the entertainment sector, including popular tracks, thanks to the relentless efforts of artists like Velu Aasan.

In conclusion, he stated, “This Padma Shri award is a source of great pride and happiness for me, but more importantly, it serves as a homage to the legacy of Parai. I am profoundly thankful to all the artists who tirelessly promote this traditional art globally.”