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Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin Distributes ₹40 Crore Financial Aid to 45 Artists and Their Families

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Chennai – Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M.K. Stalin, distributed financial assistance worth ₹40 crore under the welfare schemes of the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram. This aid was extended to 45 artists and their families as part of the state government’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional arts and culture.

At an event held at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, the Chief Minister granted financial support to artists facing hardship, along with funds to promote Tamil literature, theatre, and dance dramas. The aid was distributed as follows:

₹1 lakh each to 10 senior artists who have received the Kalaimamani Award but are now in financial distress.
₹2 lakh each to 5 authors for publishing rare and profound literary works in Tamil.
₹1.5 lakh each to 5 theatre artists and 5 dance drama artists for producing and staging new Tamil plays and dance dramas.
₹25,000 each to the families of 20 deceased artists to support their living expenses.

A Legacy of Cultural Support

The Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, originally established as the Tamil Nadu Sangeetha Nataka Sangam in 1955, was later restructured in 1973 by the legendary Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar to foster literature, music, and drama in Tamil. Operating under the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments, the organization plays a crucial role in preserving traditional arts, supporting rural folk artists, reviving fading art forms, and promoting Tamil culture on national and international platforms.

During the event, the Chief Minister personally handed over cheques to several recipients, including:

10 senior artists in financial distress.
5 Tamil scholars and authors to support the publication of important literary works.
4 theatre and dance drama artists for new productions.
2 families of deceased artists for financial support.

The event was attended by Minister for Tamil Development and Information Mr. M.P. Saminathan, Chief Secretary Mr. N. Muruganandam, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments Department Dr. K. Manivasan, IAS, Director of Art and Culture Ms. Kavitha Ramu, IAS, President of the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram and Folk Artists Welfare Board Mr. Vasu Chandramohan, and Secretary of the Mandram Ms. Vidhya Thayanban.