March 6, 2004

PRESS RELEASE

The Carnatic Music Association of North America is pleased to announce the selection of

Padmabhushan Kamala Narayan
as a recipient of CMANA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Sangeethasaagara
in recognition of her contributions to the art of Bharatanatyam
and her highly successful efforts in propagating that fine art in America.

Through this, Mrs. Kamala Narayanan joins a highly elite and select group of artists – Lalgudi Jayaraman, T.N. Krishnan, D.K. Pattammal, M.S. Subbulakshmi, and Semmangudi Srinivasaier - who have been honored with this award by CMANA, and her selection is also an affirmation by the Association of the famous words, “Geetam vaadyam tatha nrityam trayam sangeetamuchyatey.”

The proposed award citation,

“The contributions of an artistic genius bear testimony to the creative capacities of (wo)man just as the ocean’s splendor bears testimony to the grandeur of Creation. For this reason, such a genius is admired and likened to the ocean,”

eminently reflects the great achievements of the awardee, and CMANA extends its congratulations to Mrs. Kamala Narayanan. The award will be conferred on Mrs. Narayanan in a formal ceremony in New Jersey on June 12, 2004, details regarding which will be released in due course.

Dr. Soundaram Ramaswami Dr. P.N. Aruna

President, CMANA Secretary, CMANA

For the Board of Trustees, CMANA

1049 Hillcrest Drive
Neshanic Station, NJ 08853
Phone: 1+ (908) 369-8917
Email: president@cmana.org