Folk songs in house resonate the need for artists in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu assembly on Wednesday witnessed a passionate debate on folk songs. Members sang folk songs and recalled snippets of Dravidian history and how such songs helped erstwhile DMK leaders to propagate their ideologies before and after the independence. E V Velu, representing Tiruvannamalai, sang a folk song and recalled how former chief ministers C N Annadurai, M Karunanidhi, M G Ramachandran were actors in 'koothu', 'therukoothu' and drama to propagate Dravidian history.
"We need to encourage folk arts across the state. There are several folk arts groups in each and every district. The government must encourage all these groups as they were once responsible for making Dravidan history famous," said Velu.
"While Anna was famous for his novels Velaikaari, Nallathambi, Or Iravu etc, Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) was famous for dramas like Manimagudam, Ore Ratham, Palaniappan, Thooku Medai, Kagithapoo, Naane Arivali, Vellizhamai, Udhayasooriyan and Kathitha Poo," he said.
"The dramas and other folk arts created awareness among the people and it is only because of that awareness we are here," Velu said.
The DMK member said several artists are suffering and the government must support them. "Each district collector must be given power to support such troupes which are still functioning in various districts and villages. There are not able to get into a bus with their accompaniments and the government must help them," said Velu.
When the MLA sang the song, deputy leader of opposition S Duraimurugan, a drama artist himself, started tapping the desk. Seeing this, fisheries minister D Jayakumar immediately said, "Velu mentioned several Dravidian leaders and artists but did not mention a person who is present in the house (Duraimurugan). Why did you leave your leader's name?"