Music Academy 15th December 2009 Inaugural Speech by Mr. Viswanathan Anand

Good evening ladies and gentleman. It is a feeling of humility to stand before such an illustrious gathering of the greats of Carnatic music and the performing arts.

I have watched many a speaker at opening ceremony of a chess tournament trying to connect chess and politics with the king queen and bishop indulging in the wildest palace intrigues. I am glad to try to connect the artistic side of chess with music here today .

Chennai in December is not only special because of the weather but also because of the kutcheri season. It is a time for the city to be abuzz to the vibrant culture of music and dance . The Music Academy has always been a front runner of preserving and promoting the fine arts. They strive to put the artiste and their talent on a wider platform , recognising all aspects of a performance.

This year particularly the Academy will bestow the Sangita kalanidhi award on Vidwan Valayapati A.R. Subramaniam , a celebrated Thavil artiste . Thus conferring this award for the first time to an thavil Vidwan.Although vidwans of Nadaswarm have received this title the accompanists have rarely been considered . He will also receive the M.S. Subalakshmi award, instituted by THE HINDU .

Allow me to extend my hearty congratulations to the Vidwan on this title and also on the completion of sixty years in music . In his career he has become synonymous with the Thavil.The thavil is one of our ancient instruments used in auspicious gatherings and temple festivities . His mastery makes it look effortless but hides behind it a steely determination and hours of perseverance. As a child he learnt the nuances by accompanying his father and brother . He learnt by watching , listening and never complaining. This kind of discipline and determination is very inspiring . In spite of performing in more than ten thousand concerts he maintains a child like curiosity and passion in learning more of the Thavil and its full potential.

Both in chess and music you see that an exposure at an early age is important . Only after that can one determine a prodigy and their talent .In my family no one had achieved greatness in chess but there was an atmosphere that encouraged it . When you read about the great musicians you always find they had an exposure to the art from childhood and looked up to someone at close quarters in most cases their own family members for inspiration .Similarly in chess you see that you discover by chance that a child shows an aptitude for the game . In my case I saw my siblings play and later on my mother discovered that it was more than mere curiosity for chess. It is important that children are given a chance to discover latent talents . We never know when and where the next Music or chess genius resides.