Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Extends ₹85 Lakh Welfare Aid to 525 Artists

In a major push to support traditional, rural, and literary arts in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday (11 November 2025) distributed welfare assistance worth ₹85 lakh to 525 artists under various schemes of the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram (Tamil Nadu Literature, Music & Drama Academy).
The event was held at the Secretariat under the Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department.

Support for Ailing Kalaimamani Awardees

As part of the initiative, ten Kalaimamani award-winning artists who are currently living in difficult circumstances received ₹1 lakh each as special financial assistance. Four of these beneficiaries were personally handed cheques by the Chief Minister.

Aid for Tamil Literary Contributions

To encourage high-quality Tamil literature, the government provided ₹2 lakh each to five outstanding Tamil authors for the publication of rare, thought-provoking works. Two among these authors received the assistance directly from the Chief Minister.

Funding for New Tamil Plays and Dance Dramas

To revive Tamil theatre and dance traditions, financial support of ₹1.5 lakh each was granted to:

• Five theatre artists for producing new Tamil plays
• Five dance artists for creating new Tamil dance dramas

Four artists received their sanction orders from the Chief Minister during the ceremony.

Support for Folk Artists

Recognizing the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu’s folk arts, the government extended support to 500 rural folk artists by providing ₹10,000 each for purchasing musical instruments and stage accessories. Five of these folk artists received their cheques during the event.

A Legacy of Cultural Promotion

The Tamil Nadu Sangeetha Nataka Sangam, originally established in 1955, was renamed the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram in 1973 by the legendary artist and scholar, Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi. The Mandram plays a pivotal role in:

• Preserving and promoting classical and folk art forms
• Encouraging artists through awards and annual assistance
• Documenting fading art traditions
• Supporting theatre and dance productions
• Bringing rural folk arts to major festivals and cultural platforms

Strengthening the Artist Community

The Chief Minister emphasized that Tamil Nadu has always stood by its artists, ensuring that cultural practitioners across various disciplines receive the recognition, respect, and financial support they deserve. The welfare assistance distributed today highlighted the State’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the artistic fabric of Tamil society.

The event was attended by

• Minister for Tamil Official Language and Information Thiru M.P. Saminathan
• Chief Secretary Thiru N. Muruganandam
• Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Dr. K. Manivannan
• Director of Art & Culture Mrs. S. Malarvizhi
• Senior officials, members of the Mandram, and representatives from the folk artists’ welfare board.

The programme concluded with the Director of Press and Publicity issuing the formal release.