IndiaPost.com - Top US honors to singer Aruna Sairam

NEW YORK: Handing over of United States national flag that was flown over the Capitol building in Washington in honor of Carnatic classical singer Aruna Sairam and presenting a special Congressional proclamation recognizing her musical contribution issued by the US House of Representatives were some of the highlights of the grand musical concert of Aruna Sairam in New York on Aug 16.

At the concert-cum-felicitation ceremony organized by Shri Vari Foundation, an organization to promote spirituality, music and dance, at the Francis Lewis Auditorium in Queens, New York, an array of distinguished dignitaries' showered praise on Aruna Sairam for her yeoman service to India by unifying the different linguistic and regional cultures. Mayor Harry Anand of Laurel Hollow, New York, the only elected Mayor of Indian-origin in the State of New York, presented the special Congressional proclamation and the US National Flag flown over Capitol on behalf of US Congressman Nick Lampson (22nd District Texas) and Congressman Christopher Shays (4th District Connecticut) respectively since both could not make it to New York.

Mayor Anand said through her many outstanding contributions to Indian music Sairam has become an established international legend. Sairam has performed at world-renowned venues such as Le Theatre de la Ville in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, the Presidential Palace in New Delhi, and the Festival of World Sacred Music in Morocco.

The parchment from Stephen T. Ayers, acting Architect of the Capitol in Washington, says the US national flag was flown over the Capitol in honor for South India's most celebrated classical vocalist to commemorate her concert for Shri Vari Foundation in New York. In his message read out on the occasion, Congressman Shays described Sairam as one of the most renowned and beloved representatives of Carnatic vocal music.

Hiram Monserrate, Member, New York City Council read out a special proclamation issued by the New York City Council to honor Aruna Sairam's multi faceted musical journey. George Abraham, Chief Technology Officer -Pension Funds, United Nations, Dr. Ajay Gondane, deputy consul general of India and Albert Chelladurai, president of New York Tamil Sangam, felicitated Sairam for the top honors. Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan on mridangam and Vittal Ramamurthy on violin accompanied Aruna Sairam at the concert.

Prakaash M Swami, founder-president of Shri Vari Foundation, who is instrumental in getting the honors and organizer of the concert-cum-felicitation function, welcoming the gathering, said it was a proud moment for Indians, especially living in the US, in view of the top honors bestowed by the country on Sairam in recognition of her musical talents and for doing concerts across the US enthralling the Indians and Americans alike. Veera Kumar, trustee of the foundation, proposed a vote of thanks.