Velu Aasaan is a Parai artist and teacher from Alanganallur in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. He is widely credited for revitalizing Parai, a traditional percussion instrument, both in India and internationally.[1] In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honor, in 2025.[1][2]
Early life[edit | edit source]
Velu Aasaan (his birth name is Velmurugan) was born into a Dalit family in Mettamalai village near Sattur, Virudhunagar municipality, Tamil Nadu. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the Parai, a drum traditionally played at funerals and public events. His father, Ramayya, and other family elders played the instrument, but social stigma discouraged him from formally pursuing it. His first Parai was a gift from his uncle when he was 10.[1][3]
Despite family resistance, Aasaan began practicing at 13, learning from local masters such as Malaichaami Vaadhiyaar and Saegu Vaadhiyaar, who are his elder brothers. Financial hardship forced him to take on numerous odd jobs, but his passion for music persisted.[3]
Career[edit | edit source]
Aasaan's career began after his first public performance at a village festival in Alanganallur, where audiences recognized his talent. Despite early setbacks and an eight-year hiatus due to lack of support at home, he later returned to the Parai, dedicating his life to its promotion.[4]
He founded the Alanganallur Thappisai Kuzhu, now Tamil Nadu's largest Parai troupe, and later established Samar Kazhaikuzhu in 2001 to train new generations of artists. Aasaan is known for breaking gender barriers by training women performers in a field traditionally dominated by men.[5][6]
His overseas performances include China, United States, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, where he both performed and taught Parai Isai.[7][8]
Recognition[edit | edit source]
In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Shri by the government of India.[1] Apart from this, he has won numerous other awards in the last couple of decades.[9]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Velu Aasan: Padma Shri recipient and 'parai' virtuoso". The Week. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ "Madurai artist Velu Aasaan gets Padma Shri for reviving Parai Isai". The Times of India. 2025-01-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "A drummer's beat, a bard's voice". The Times of India. 2025-02-17. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ IANS (2025-01-26). "'Prince Of Parai' Velu Aasan Honoured With Padma Shri For Reviving TN's Traditional Art". ABP Live. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ Service, Express News (2025-01-27). "Parai artiste Velu Murugan honoured with Padma Shri award". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ "Madurai artist Velu Aasaan gets Padma Shri for reviving Parai Isai". The Times of India. 2025-01-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ Service, Express News (2025-01-27). "Parai artiste Velu Murugan honoured with Padma Shri award". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ "Madurai artist Velu Aasaan gets Padma Shri for reviving Parai Isai". The Times of India. 2025-01-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ சரவணகுமார், லஷ்மி (2022-01-17). "`கலை மட்டும்தான் நிரந்தரம்' - பறை இசைக் கலைஞர் வேலு ஆசான் | இவர்கள் | பகுதி 18". www.vikatan.com/ (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 2025-09-11.