Preserve Keralas musical legacy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “A trend of commercialisation of traditional instrumental music of Kerala is being seen these days. Playing them without any scientific background is on the rise. It’s time for the State to take steps to preserve the rich musical legacy it possesses,” said Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph after inaugurating ‘Thala Maholsavam’ in the city on Thursday.He pointed out that there have been allegations that artists who play these instruments are subjected to exploitation.“The Cultural Affairs Department will offer full support, if any organisation takes the initiative to bring all artists under a registration scheme. This, to a great extent, can curb such exploitations,” he added.In his presidential address, Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar said that the traditional rhythms need to maintained for all times. They have to be passed on to the future generations too. “An event like Thala Maholsavam has much possibilities to preserve the traditional rhythms. The Tourism Department is ready to offer support to such initiatives,” he said.Lyricist and vice-president of Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan Anil Panachooran, in his introductory speech, expressed disappointment over the attitude of the present generation, which shows great interest towards foreign musical genres, while maintaining a lackadaisical attitude in enjoying  traditional music.“It is sad that youngsters who appreciate foreign rhythms take a lethargic attitude towards the music that originated in their own culture. It is doubtful how many people know even the names of the traditional instruments which were once much popular in Kerala,” he said.The inaugural ceremony had an ensemble comprising ‘Mizhavu’, ‘Ilathalam’ and Edakka’ playing in the background. Vilakkudi Rajendran, member secretary of Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan, welcomed the gathering. M R Thampan, director of the State Institute of Languages, film director Balu Kiriyath, Njeralathu Harigovindan and Kalam Kochera were also present on the occasion.The event is being organised by Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan.