Rotary Club of Madras East – RI District 3234 Dronacharya Award 2025
Date: 29th October 2025 | Time: 6:30 p.m.
Venue: Mandapam Hall, Welcomhotel by ITC, Cathedral Road.
About the Dronacharya Award
Instituted in 2008, the Dronacharya Award by the Rotary Club of Madras East honours exemplary teachers and mentors who inspire, guide, and shape generations of learners. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Guru Dronacharya of the Mahābhārata, this award celebrates the enduring bond between teacher and disciple and the transformative power of education. Sponsored by Saraswathi Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School, the award has, over the years, recognised outstanding educators who have made a lasting impact on society.
Dronacharya Award 2025 Honouree – Kalaimamani Anil Srinivasan
This year’s award is conferred upon Kalaimamani Anil Srinivasan — Pianist, Educator, Entrepreneur, and Professor at Krea University.
Founder of Rhapsody and KRUU, Anil has reached over 4.5 lakh students nationwide through innovative, project-based learning. Under his leadership, KRUU received the prestigious PiEoneer Award in Progressive Education (2025). His accolades include the MICA–Anjali Khandwalla Creative Mentor Award, McNulty Fellowship for Social Impact, Ken Hobbs Citation, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — making him the first pianist in Indian history to be honoured.
Deeply committed to philanthropy, Anil has donated all his music-based earnings to charitable causes, including building a school for displaced children and supporting a home for visually impaired women. An acclaimed global performer and collaborator, he continues to bridge music, education, and social change.
Chief Guest – Padmashri Aruna Sairam
The evening’s chief guest is Padmashri Aruna Sairam, iconic Carnatic vocalist, composer, and humanitarian. Recipient of the Padma Shri (2009), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2013), and the Sangita Kalanidhi (2019), she has also been honoured internationally with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France, 2022).
Recognised among India Today’s Top 100 Women Achievers (2024), she devotes her art to social causes — from cancer care and rural health to music education for the underprivileged. Her collaborations with maestros like Ustad Zakir Hussain and Dominique Vellard reflect her spirit of cultural dialogue and service through music. Her presence is a true honour as we celebrate excellence in teaching and mentorship.