TN Governor inaugurates Bharathi Parai Cultural Centre near Sattur

Parai, the traditional Tamil percussion instrument, should be taught in schools to popularise it among the younger generation and make it a mass movement, said Governor R. N. Ravi.

He said this after inaugurating Bharathi Parai Cultural Centre of Padma Shri awardee, Velu Asan, in his presence, at Mettamalai near here on Friday.

Mr. Ravi said that parai has been the identity of the Tamils for several centuries. It has a mention in Sangam literature. Parai was played during all festivals, auspicious events, including marriages.

Like research work was under way for various forms of music, research should be held on parai music also, he said.

Stating that youngsters were after modernity in the fast changing world, the Governor appreciated the efforts of Velu Asan, who has been teaching parai music in foreign countries.

Mr. Ravi said that the Padma awardees were selected based on their connections with the powers that be in the past. But, in the last 10 years, little-known people who were preserving art, culture and environment were being honoured by the Centre.

Bharathi Parai Cultural Centre has been built with a discretionary fund of ₹50 lakh from the Governor. Mr. Ravi also joined the artistes to play the parai instrument for a brief while.