A drum learned early
Velu Aasaan’s story is tied to the social journey of a folk instrument that for a long time was associated with limited opportunity and stigma. According to his official Padma citation, he was born on 20 May 1970. Poverty meant his schooling stopped at Class IV, and from about the age of 10 he played the parai with his father at Alanganallur jallikattu, at temple festivals and sometimes in funeral processions.
From 52 steps to 110
Over time he shaped the parai from an instrument played on particular occasions into a structured performance language. His citation says his repertoire, which began with 52 adavus (steps and patterns) held in memory, has grown on traditional foundations to more than 110 forms.
He became a teacher as well as a performer, training schools, colleges and folk groups in music, dance and performance; that teaching is where the name “Aasaan” comes from. He is also a skilled maker of skin instruments, and the citation records thousands made by his hands.
Taking the parai to the world
Over three decades he gave more than 1,200 programmes and trainings, took the parai tradition to the USA, China, Malaysia and Singapore, and worked in more than 35 Tamil and Telugu films. From 2001 he worked to bring folk artists together in Madurai through efforts such as the Thappaatta Kalainjargal Sangam.
His Padma Shri honours not only his performance but the visibility of a tradition that he connected to the classroom, the stage and the world.
Sources
- Padma Awards 2025: official citation
- Padma Awards 2025: notification
- Times of India: profile
- Neelam Social: interview
- padmaawards.gov.in/Document/pdf/CitationsForTickets/2025/2025134.pdf
- padmaawards.gov.in/Document/pdf/notifications/PadmaAwards/2025.pdf
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/madurai-artist-velu-aasaan-gets-padma-shri-for-reviving-parai-isai/articleshow/117562691.cms
- youtube.com/watch?v=8VEuzUdGASg