Giving a leg-up to folk performances

VELLORE: Cultural programmes will take place district-wise henceforth, according to executive member of the Tamil Nadu Iyal, Isai and Naadaga Mandram, actress Chachu. Chachu earlier distributed awards to 35 artistes and musicians, sponsored by the Department of Culture and Arts, at Anna Kalaiarangam, on Sunday. Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, she pointed out that , “A mega dance fest had taken place in Chennai from October 28 to November 9. Similarly, cultural programmes would be held in all districts. Folk artistes would be given preference in these programmes,” she informed About the programme, Chachu said the fest would start in Tiruchy and move on to Srirangam, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai and other districts.Chachu distributed prizes to winners of the cultural programmes conducted by Jawahar Siruvar Mandram,  identity cards to 1,300 folk artistes, and welfare measures to other artistes.Vellore district Collector S Nagarajan, Health Ministers Dr V S Vijay, Mohammed John, Vellore Corporation Mayor Karthiyayini, deputy mayor Dharmalingam, deputy director of arts and culture department were also present on the occasion.