Muthamizharyan Artist: Lifetime Achievement and Awards In Honor of Poet M. Petha

In recognition of his remarkable contributions, poet Mr. M. Petha has been honored with the “Artist Status Artistic Achievement Award” as ordered by the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M.K. Stalin.

This prestigious award celebrates Mr. Petha’s lifetime achievement in Tamil cinema. It is awarded on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu at the Muthamizh Arinjar Artist Memorial Award Ceremony. The award is presented annually on the 3rd of June, which coincides with the birthday of the Muthamizh Arinjar Artist. The awardee will receive a prize of 10 lakhs, along with recognition for their artistic contributions. This initiative was first announced by the government in 2022, during a legislative session, under the guidance of Mr. M.K. Stalin, as part of the ongoing Tamil development efforts.

The award ceremony was graced by several esteemed guests, including Mr. S.P. Muthurane, president of the Actors’ Association Mr. Nasser, and prominent figures such as Mr. Karu, all of whom took part in presenting the awards. Notably, in 2022, the Artist Achievement Award was given to Aroordas, a prominent screenwriter, in honor of his contributions to Tamil cinema. This award presentation occurred on the artist’s birthday, the 3rd of June, under the auspices of the Tamil Nadu government.

In honor of the centenary celebration of Muthamizh Arinjar, this award continues to gain prominence. As announced by Mr. M.K. Stalin on 11th July 2024, the award was expanded to honor not only cinema artists but also theater performers and other key figures in the arts. Mr. Muthurane and his team coordinated the event, and the ceremony also recognized literary achievements with awards such as the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Among the 25,000 artists who have been recognized so far, some notable names include Lasakquil and Bellilasa Arasi, artists who have made significant contributions to Tamil music, literature, and cinema. The 2023 centenary celebration of Muthamizh Arinjar marked a significant event, further solidifying the importance of the Artist Status Artistic Achievement Award.

In recognition of poet Mr. M. Petha, a retired Tamil poet born on the 5th of November 1945, his work in Tamil literature has been extensive. He studied and later taught Tamil at Basanlai University, and his writing includes over 70 books, novels, and plays. His work earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel “The House Next Door”, and he continues to inspire future generations. In recognition of his lifetime of contributions to Tamil culture, Mr. Petha was awarded the Artist Status Artistic Achievement Award by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The award will continue to be given annually, celebrating artists who have made significant contributions to Tamil culture and society.