Vaṇakkam, I am interested in learning more about the Kalaimamani Award and the eligibility criteria for receiving this prestigious honor. As I understand, this award is given by the Tamil Nadu government to recognize excellence in various fields of art and literature. However, I would like to know the specific qualifications required for nomination; do recipients need to be Tamil Nadu residents, or is it open to artists from other states as well?
Additionally, what kind of contributions or achievements are considered for selection? If anyone has detailed insights on the selection process, nomination procedure, or past awardees, please share your knowledge. Your responses would be really helpful! Thanks!
1 Like
The Kalaimamani Award is a prestigious honor conferred by the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, a unit under the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Tamil Nadu. This award is the highest civilian recognition given by the state to celebrate outstanding contributions in the field of arts and culture.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Field of Excellence:
- The award is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in literature, music, dance, drama, cinema, folk arts, and other related art forms.
- Residency & Recognition:
- While preference is given to artists from Tamil Nadu, individuals from other states who have significantly contributed to Tamil art and culture may also be considered.
- Notable Contributions:
- The recipient should have a well-recognized body of work in their respective field.
- Their contributions should have played a role in preserving or promoting Tamil culture and heritage.
- Government Consideration:
- The selection process involves nominations and recommendations reviewed by a panel of experts from the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram.
- Senior artists with a longstanding career, as well as emerging talents with remarkable achievements, are considered.
Award Components:
- The Kalaimamani Award includes a gold pendant and a citation.
- In addition to this, the government also provides financial support through schemes like the Porkizhi Award for previous Kalaimamani awardees facing financial hardship.
Notable Recipients:
Several eminent personalities, including J. Jayalalithaa, Vyjayanthimala Bali, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth, have received this award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Tamil arts and culture.
Where to Find More Information:
- The Kalaimamani Selection List (2013-2021) can be accessed on the official website of the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Puducherry.
- The Indigent Artistes and Kalaimamani List is also available on the same website for reference.
For aspiring artists and art enthusiasts, this award serves as a prestigious recognition of dedication and excellence in Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage.