The Harivarasanam Award for this year was presented to renowned nadaswaram maestro Thiruvizha Jayashankar by Minister for Ports, Cooperation and Devaswom, V. N. Vasavan, at a function held at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam Auditorium.
The Minister said that the award had reached the most deserving hands. Thiruvizha Jayashankar is a globally acclaimed personality who elevated the nadaswaram to international recognition. A highly talented artist, he popularised the instrument among the masses and brought several famous Ayyappa devotional songs to the hearts of people through nadaswaram performances. He is an artist who lives in the hearts of millions, the Minister noted.
The award consists of a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a citation, and an idol of Lord Ayyappa, which were presented to Thiruvizha Jayashankar by the Minister. Presiding over the function, MLA Pramod Narayan said that Jayashankar is a person who dedicated his entire life to the nadaswaram. MLA K. U. Janish Kumar remarked that the pilgrimage season was largely free of complaints. Revenue (Devaswom) Secretary M. G. Rajamanikyam read out the citation. Travancore Devaswom Board members K. Raju and P. D. Santhosh Kumar, Sabarimala ADM Arun S. Nair, and Travancore Devaswom Board Commissioner B. Sunil Kumar were present at the event. Awardee Thiruvizha Jayashankar delivered the vote of thanks.
Harivarasanam Award Is the Greatest Honour of My Life: Thiruvizha Jayashankar
Nadaswaram artist Thiruvizha Jayashankar said that the blessed moment of receiving the Harivarasanam Award is something he will cherish for the rest of his life. He was speaking after receiving the award from Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam Auditorium.
He began playing the nadaswaram at the age of 12 and continues to perform with dedication even at the age of 90. Though he has received many awards during his artistic career, the Harivarasanam Award holds far greater value, he said.
“There is nothing more to achieve in life. Receiving this honour in my nineties has filled me with immense happiness. Since I perform every composition with deep involvement, listeners are able to experience the emotional essence of the music. I play each piece after personally enjoying it. Recognition for music comes from its emotional depth,” he said. Jayashankar also recalled that being honoured by former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was one of the most unforgettable moments of his life.
Thiruvizha Jayashankar’s Nadaswaram Concert Captivates Devotees at Sannidhanam
The nadaswaram concert by Harivarasanam Award winner Thiruvizha Jayashankar turned into a stream of devotional bliss for pilgrims who arrived for Makaravilakku darshan. Amid chants of “Saranam,” Jayashankar presented several popular devotional compositions such as Sri Vinayakam, Mahadeva Siva Sambho, and Thanka Suryodayam at Sabarimala at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam Auditorium.
Thiruvizha Jayashankar is the recipient of this year’s Harivarasanam Award. During the concert, Devaswom Board employees Harippad Murukan and Kottayam Akhil accompanied him on the nadaswaram. Chengalam Arun Kumar played the thavil, while rhythm support was provided by Mannarassala Kannan.
