The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, was amongst those who spoke about music composer Ilaiyaraaja at the felicitation ceremony organised on the occasion of the composer's completion of 50 years in the film industry. The event was also organised to felicitate Ilaiyaraaja, who recently presented his first symphony, titled Valiant, in London.
TN CM Stalin started his speech by quoting a few lines from 'Raajathi Raja', a song from Agni Natchathiram. "Raja. Rajaathi rajan indha Raja. (The King. This Raja is the king of kings.) Netru illlai, naalai illai, eppovum nee raja. (Past or present, you are always the king.)" Echoing Kamal Haasan's words at the event Stalin said, "By felicitating Ilaiyaraaja, the honour is on us."
He went on to say, "There are no people who hasn't muttered his songs, in these past 50 years. And there are no people, who hasn't related to song of his, in their happy or sad times. His music is like a lullaby from a mother. Represents the intimacy of love. It encourages on the path to victory. It is a balm for pain."
The Chief Minister also said, "I request you to compose music for classical Tamil texts. People put forth their requests to the Chief Minister. But now, representing the people, I am putting forth this request to you."
Stalin also announced that, on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Government, an award named after Ilaiyaraaja, will be presented to musicians, in order to encourage them. He also put forth the request for Ilaiyaraaja to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.
