Over 50 members of the Nathaswara and Musicians Union petitioned the District Collector along with their 'thavil' and 'nadaswaram' instruments, to restore their livelihood.
Coimbatore: Even as Public Grievance Meetings resumed in person, public from various walks of life filed their petitions with the District Collector on Monday.
More than 50 members of the Nathaswara and Musicians Union Association petitioned the Coimbatore District Collector along with their ‘thavil’ and ‘nadaswaram’ instruments.
There are more than 400 musicians in Coimbatore district who make a living by playing instruments during weddings and other ceremonies. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, temples were closed and hence most ceremonies were conducted in a simple manner. Hence, these musicians lost their livelihood.
“The Government should provide monthly stipends and free musical instruments to all Nathaswara artists to improve their livelihood. We also should be provided with pension and a free bus pass. The Government should also provide opportunities to play Nadaswaram and Thavil in festivals. Musicians should be considered for Government awards,” demanded the musicians.
When more than 50 musicians tried to play together, they were detained by the security guards from entering the Collector’s office and only four of them were allowed inside the Collectorate to file a petition.