Of all the launch events of city sabhas’ December Season festivals that took place the past fortnight, the one at Mylapore Fine Arts Club in Mylapore (it was the sabha’s 74th edition of the fest) seemed meaningful.

The two guests who felicitated the artistes who were decorated with awards by the MFAC sabha on Dec.17 evening spoke in depth, were focussed and were rounded in their speeches.

It was an evening to honour mridangam vidwan Thiruvarur Bhaktavatsalam and Bharatanatyam dance teacher Kanchana Janardhanan with awards.

It was also an evening when vidwan Aleppey Venkatesan spoke at length on the career and artistry of Bhaktavatsalam, illustrating the points with anecdotes and educating the audience on Bhaktavatsalam’s unique style.

Later, guest Mhadhumathi Prakash spoke on the character and work style of dance guru Kanchana Janardhananwho was recognised, telling guests at the event that Kanchana followed the classical dance tradition at any cost, did not make compromises and had stayed long in the performing arts because she treated sishyas as family.

The two speeches got a good listen. And so did Bhaktavatsalam’s acceptance speech in which he touched on the role of art criticism.

The evening closed with a dance drama concert by sishyas of Roja Kannan.