Thalir Kala Awards Season 2 Celebrates Young Talent in Carnatic Music

The Rotary Club of Chennai Carnatic successfully hosted the second season of the Thalir Kala Awards on  19 th April 2025, a music competition dedicated to promoting classical and Carnatic music among young  aspirants. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across schools, aiming to nurture young  talent and uphold the rich musical heritage of Chennai.

The competition featured two age groups — up to 12 years, and 12 to 18 years — and was held under two  categories: Vocal and Instrumental, which included both string and wind instruments.

Speaking about the event, Club President Smt. Bhuvana Ramesh and Event Chairman Shri Chandramouli  emphasized that the primary objective of the initiative is to inspire and cultivate interest in classical music  among the youth. “Chennai holds a unique place in the world of classical music, especially through the  revered Margazhi festival. We want to continue building on that legacy,” they said.

The competition was judged by two renowned senior musicians — Smt. Shymala Venkateswaran and  Kalaimamani Usha Rajagopalan (Violinist). Both jurors praised the exceptional performances by all the  participants and noted that the future of Carnatic music is in bright, capable hands. They also commended  the Rotary Club of Chennai Carnatic for its commendable initiative.

Winners were awarded glittering trophies and cash prizes in recognition of their talent and dedication.  Addressing the media, the organizing team expressed their delight over the overwhelming response to  Season 2, and announced plans for a grander Season 3, which will feature a hybrid format with both online and on-ground competitions.