The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : `For the Sake of Honour' award conferred on Kanimozhi

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Monday, Oct 30, 2006
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`For the Sake of Honour' award conferred on Kanimozhi

Special Correspondent

"A young Tamil poet in search of identity of new woman"

MOMENT TO CHERISH: Poet Kanimozhi receives the `For the Sake of Honour' Award from N. Ram, Editor- in-chief, The Hindu , at a function organised by the Rotary Club of Chennai Samudra in Chennai on Sunday. The club president Padmasri Naidu is also in the picture. — Photo: Shaju John

CHENNAI: Poet Kanimozhi was conferred the `For The Sake Of Honour' award of the Rotary Club of Chennai Samudra at a function here on Sunday.

N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu , presented the award.

The citation described Ms. Kanimozhi as a "young Tamil poet who leads the emerging sensibility that searches for the identity of the new woman." Pointing out that the poet scripted lyrics for the dance ballet `Silappadhikaram,' it stated that she stayed close to the original in characterisation and emotional tones. Thanking the club for the award, Ms. Kanimozhi called it a "great moment in my life." There was no single identity that fits all women and problems arose when a particular identity was sought to be imposed on them. She said eminent women of yesteryear such as Karaikal Ammaiyar and Andal had attempted, through their lives and works, to transcend the gender barrier.

Mr. Ram called her a young woman of independent spirit and said the poet had "twin mission": pursuit of poetry and creative literature, and promotion of freedom of expression. He referred to `Karuthu', an organisation run by her and Karthi Chidambaram, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's son, as one espousing the cause of freedom of expression. Mr. Ram called it an important organisation that deserved greater public support.

Karunanidhi's support

He recalled how he, at the time of Bofors investigation, received support from Kanimozhi's father, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, when there were tremendous pressures and even threats. Mr. Karunanidhi's support was not just to an institution or to an individual but to the freedom of expression.

He said reasonable restrictions had a place in regulating and making acceptable freedom of expression and freedom of speech. But, they should be as few as possible and as non-restrictive as possible. He called for a code of practice for the Indian Press on the lines of the one for the British Press. This was required for coverage of issues such as children, hospitals and suicides.

R. Ganapathi, former Governor of Rotary International District 3230, said Ms. Kanimozhi was a highly talented poet. A.S. Venkatesh, District Governor Elect, described her as a humanist. Padmasri Naidu, president of the club, presided over the function.

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