The Blue Yonder Awards to Five Artists from River Nila

Pondicherry based responsible tourism company the Blue Yonder Holidays, honoured five artists, including two craftsmen, who remain loyal in their pursuit of traditional arts and crafts and uphold the very culture that defines the civilization of River Nila.

Souvenirs gifted to the Award winners

The Blue Yonder Lifetime Achievement Award winners were Kothavil Ramankutty (Kathakali Koppu maker), K C Ramakrishnan (Paavakathakali-Glove puppeteer) and Ramachandra Pulavar (Tholpavakoothu-Shadow puppeteer). Santosh Alamkode (traditional percussionist & Social Entrepreneur) and M P Krishnakumar (Craftsman of Adakaputhur Kannadi –metal mirror) were selected for the Blue yonder Fellowships.

 

Award winners (from L to R): M P Krishnakumar, Kunathara Ramachandra Pulavar, K C Ramakrishnan, Kothavil Ramankutty and Sopanam Santhosh

The award presentation ceremony was held on 01 Oct 2016, at the Varikkassery Mana near  Ottapalam in Palakkad district.  The Chief Guest of Honour was Rika Jean-Francois , Commissioner of Corporate Social Responsibility – ITB, Berlin, Germany, one of the most influential and largest travel trade fair in the world.

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The awards were handed over by Founder & CEO Gopinath Parayil along with Padmasri Dr. P.K Narayanan Nambiar, Dr. Suresh Kumar of the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Smt. Prabhavati Amma of Killimangalam Grass mats Weaving Unit, Master Craftsman in Pottery Sri Ezhumangad Gopalan, Sri Aurelio C. Hammer international musician & composer.

The visually distinct souvenirs were a special feature. Glass jars that contained natural origin materials and textures  like pebbles, sand, grains, red seeds and kora grass from Nila were presented to each award winner along with a certificate and a cash award of Rupees one lakh (INR 100,000/-).

Padmasree Dr. P K  Narayanan Nambiar

The award giving ceremony was started with Pulluvan Paattu by Pulluvan musicians Vasu, Janaki and Jaya from Edappal , followed by Mizhavu recital by Padmashri Dr. P.K Narayanan Nambiar  of Maani Gurukulam of Kutiyattam. Other highlights were the acoustic musical offering to the river by Svaram  (Auroville, Pondicherry) and Vayali Bamboo Orchestra (Arangottukara), both of which work with organic instruments from natural materials.

Rika Jean-Francoise, Commissioner CSR ITB Berlin said "It was a fantastic event and it was the right initiative to honour these magnificent artisans. Each one of them deserves much respect and it is wonderful to see with how much energy they do their part in reviving their cultural heritage. I was very happy and touched to witness this very moving event at this historical venue close to the River Nila. A true intervention to create holistic destinations upholding values of responsible travel."