Continuing its long tradition of supporting traditional arts and culture, Agurchand Manmull Jain College (AM Jain College), Chennai, honoured Mr. Velu Aasaan, recognizing his extraordinary work in keeping the traditional art of Parai Isai alive. Government of India has recently announced Padmasri Award to sri Velu Asaan, which will be bestowed on him in April 2025 by the President of India.
The School of Media Studies, AM Jain College, also organized an interactive session titled “Communication Through Performing Parai Oli – 25” with Mr. Velu Aasaan. The event provided a unique platform for students and faculty to engage with the legendary artist and gain insights into Tamil Nadu’s rich folk traditions.
Addressing the students, Mr. Velu Aasaan said, “While contemporary discourse often confines visual communication to the realms of graphics, photography, and animation, we must remember that the foundation of visual expression lies in the performing arts. Parai, with its ancient fusion of dance and music, serves as a potent reminder. It demonstrates that visual communication transcends static imagery, embodying a dynamic language capable of conveying complex ideas, bridging societal divides, and reaching audiences across all sectors. Parai’s enduring power proves that the performing arts are not relics of the past, but vital tools for communication in any era.”
In his address, Mr. Udhan Kumar Chordia, Secretary, AM Jain College, said, “Our college has always been a champion of cultural expression. It is with great pride that we honour Mr. Velu Aasaan for his dedication to Parai Isai. His remarkable journey exemplifies the power of visual storytelling through music and performance. Velu Aasaan’s lifelong mission to preserve and promote Parai Isai, as evidenced by his founding of the Alanganallur Thappisai Kuzhu and his global outreach with Samar, resonates deeply with our college’s values. By breaking gender barriers and training countless students, he has ensured the legacy of this ancient art will continue to thrive. We are honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions and celebrate his achievements.”
Sri Velu Aasaan, a 58-year-old parai artist from Alanganallur in Madurai district, is to be conferred with the Padma Shri Award in April 2025 for his extraordinary contributions to the traditional percussion art of Parai Isai. He is the founder of Alanganallur Thappisai Kuzhu, one of Tamil Nadu’s most prominent parai music groups. He founded his troupe Samar in 2010 and has taken Tamil Nadu’s parai music to international audiences, performing in countries including China, the United States, Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. His students, now spread across Tamil Nadu, have gone on to form their own troupes, further strengthening the presence of Parai Isai worldwide.
The event had the participation of Mr. Hemant P. Chordia, Associate Secretary, Dr. B. Mahavir, Principal, and Dr. M.M. Ramya, Dean, Dr. S. Anantha Krishnan, Vice Principal, Dr. R. Surekha, Deputy Dean, Mr. Praveen Kumar, Facilitator, and Prof Kavithiran, Department of Visual Communication.
