THANJAVUR: The TMC president G K Vasan was on Monday elected as the new president of the Sri Thyagabrahma Mahotsava Sabha, which conducts the annual 'Aradhana' for saint-composer Sri Thyagaraja at Tiruvaiyaru every year.
He was elected to the new post by the Sabha's Administrative Committee which met there. Mr. Vasan's father late G K Moopanar was the president of the Sabha for 34 years and his paternal uncle, G Rangaswamy Moopanar for 18 years.
"I will continue to discharge my duties as president in this direction with the co-operation of senior musicians and office-bearers of the Sabha," Vasan said.
He also said that 173rd Aradhana of the saint-composer will be held between January 11, 2020 and January 15, 2020 at the saint's Samadhi on the banks of Cauvery at Thiruvaiyaru. Pancha rathna kritis of the saint will be rendered in chorus by musicians to pay homage to the saint on January 15, when the saint attained 'Samadhi' on Pushya 'Bahula Panchami' day.
Later speaking to reporters at Tiruvaiyaru, Vasan condemned the damage to Ambedkar's statue in Vedaranyam on Sunday. He also appealed to the state government to ensure Cauvery water reached tail-end areas for 'samba' cultivation.
Speaking to reporters in Tiruvaiyaru on Monday, he said that foreign tour of Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami will help in development of Tamil Nadu by bringing foreign investments. With respect to Jammau and Kashmir, he said that the Central government solved a 70-years problem.
Meanwhile, members of various Dalit orgnaisations on Monday staged demonstrations and organised 'rasta rokos' condemning the damage caused to the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, at Vedaranyam in a clash between two groups on Sunday.
The policce arrested 75 of them. Demonstrations were also held by VCK men at Kumbakonam, Papanasam and other places.
