The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that art and dance forms act as bridge between the value systems of ancient India and the new generation. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Brahma Gana Sabha, in Chennai today. The Minister for Fisheries and Fishery Development, Tamil Nadu, Shri D. Jayakumar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President presented – Gaana Padhmam Award to legendary classical musician, Dr. K.J. Yesudoss, Naatya Padhmam Award to Smt. Malavika Sarukkai and Naataka Padhmam Award to Shri Varadharajan.

The Vice President said that Classical music and arts represent India’s cultural glory and they represent the eternal and everlasting principles of life that promote discipline, obedience and peaceful coexistence, he added.

Shri Naidu said that music in any form acts as an equalizer. It has no barriers or boundaries. It speaks universal language, he said adding that music, art and culture promote the concept of oneness.

The Vice President said that time and again studies have shown that children who are engaged in music and other art forms tend to have better cognitive skills and do well in academics as well.  Practicing music, dance or any art form helps children improve memory, auditory skills and the attention span.

Shri Naidu said that music learning could be made part of curriculum for school children to ensure stress-free environment and to improve learning outcomes. We are already using technology to spread this knowledge and more students in India and abroad are learning Indian classical music through online resources and tutors and these efforts need to be further expanded, he added.