COIMBATORE: B R Pragadheesh, a Class X student at Swathanthra Govt Higher Secondary School in Vaiyampalayam, has secured the first place in the instrumental music category at the state-level Kalaithiruvizha competition held in Thanjavur.Pragadheesh, 15, a resident of Kunnathur near Kovilpalayam in Annur, participated in the Young Talent competition organised by the school education department. Competing against students from across Tamil Nadu, Pragadheesh impressed the judges with his performance on the mridangam and emerged the winner.Pragadheesh said the training he received from his guru, Vaiyampalayam Easwaran, for three years, helped him perform confidently at the competition. He accompanies senior musicians on the mridangam during performances at temples and other places.According to his teachers, the competition included questions on different types of ragas, posed in a rapid-fire format. Pragadheesh answered the questions confidently and performed exceptionally well in the instrumental music segment.School music teacher Jeyalakshmi identified his talent and encouraged him to participate in the state-level event. She motivated him to use the platform to showcase his skills to a wider audience.School authorities said Pragadheesh had brought recognition to the institution and the region through his achievement. The headmaster, teachers and fellow students congratulated him and praised his dedication to music.Pragadheesh said he hoped to continue his mridangam training and perform alongside leading musicians in the future. His achievement has inspired other students in the school to pursue their interests in music and the arts.
