[ 1303 ]
GOVERNMENT OF PUDUCHERRY
DEPARTMENT OF ART AND CULTURE
(G.O. Ms. No. 02, Puducherry, dated 06th December 2025)
NOTIFICATION
The Scheme of Conferring “Puduvai Kalaimamani Award” was
implemented by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of
Puducherry, with the objective of recognizing and honoring Eminent
Scholars / Artistes for their outstanding contributions in the fields of
literature, music, drama, dance, painting / sculpture and folk arts in Tamil,
Telugu and Malayalam languages in the Union territory of Puducherry.
The original Scheme was established in G.O. Ms. No. 34, dated 02-07-1996,
by the Chief Secretariat (Education and Culture), Puducherry. Over the
years, the Scheme has undergone six amendments, which have made it
challenging for the public to understand its features. To address this, it
has been decided to codify the Principal Scheme along with all its
amendments made thereunder.
La Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry
The Gazette of Puducherry
PART - II
EXTRAORDINAIRE
EXTRAORDINARY
Publiée par
Published by
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No. 10410
2025 } | 12 {
No. 91 Poudouchéry
Vendredi
12
Décembre
2025
No.
Puducherry
Friday
12th
December
2025
(21 Agrahayana 1947)
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LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
2. The Lieutenant-Governor, Puducherry, is pleased to approve the
Scheme for award of Puduvai Kalaimamani to Eminent Scholars and
Artistes in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages in the Union territory
of Puducherry. This Scheme supersedes all previous amendments and
provides a comprehensive framework for the award, namely:-
1. Short title, extent and commencement.— (i) The Scheme is
known as the “Award of Puduvai Kalaimamani to the Eminent Scholars /
Artistes in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages in the Union territory
of Puducherry.”
(ii) This shall extend to the whole of the Union territory of
Puducherry.
(iii) This shall come into force on and from the date of its
publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions.— In this Scheme, unless the context otherwise
requires, –
(a) “Award of Puduvai Kalaimamani” means, the Scheme of
awarding Puduvai Kalaimamani to Eminent Scholars / Artistes in Tamil,
Telugu and Malayalam languages in the Union territory of Puducherry
holds significant importance and plays a crucial role in recognizing and
nurturing artistic talent, preserving cultural heritage, fostering social
cohesion, promoting regional languages, supporting artists professionally
and economically and garnering institutional support for the arts in
Puducherry;
(b) “Eminent Artistes” means, any artiste who has achieved a
high level of recognition and respect for their outstanding contributions,
mastery, and influence within their respective disciplines;
(c) “Eminent Artiste in Dance” means, any artiste who has
mastery of dance techniques and styles, whether classical, contemporary,
or fusion;
(d) “Eminent Artiste in Drama” means, any artiste who has
remarkable talent in portraying a wide range of characters with
authenticity and emotional depth;
(e) “Eminent Artiste in Folk Arts” means, any artiste who is
mastery and preservation of traditional art forms while also innovating
to keep them relevant;
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LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(f) “Eminent Artiste in Martial Arts” means, any artiste who is
mastery of martial arts techniques and principles;
(g) “Eminent Artiste in Music” means, any artiste who has
exceptional proficiency in their instrument or vocal technique;
(h) “Eminent Artiste in Painting/Sculpture” means, any artiste
who has exceptional skill in their chosen medium, whether painting,
sculpture, or other visual arts;
(i) “Eminent Artiste in Photography/Film/Documentary Film”
means, any artiste who is mastery of photographic and cinematographic
techniques, including composition, lighting and editing;
(j) “Eminent Scholar in Literature” means, Eminent Scholar,
who have made significant and impactful contributions to the field of
literature through their writings, research and literary criticism;
(k) “Eminent Scholar in Orator (Literature)” means, Eminent
Scholar who possess exceptional skill in public speaking, specifically in
the context of literature;
(l) “Government” means, the Administrator of the Union territory
of Puducherry appointed by the President of India under Article 239 of
the Constitution of India;
(m) “Scheme” means, the Scheme of award of Puduvai
Kalaimamani to the Eminent Scholars / Artistes for honoring them who
are expertised in the field of Literature, Music, Drama, Dance, Painting /
Sculpture, Folk arts / Martial arts, Orator (Literature) and Photography /
Film / Documentary film in the Union territory of Puducherry, as amended
from time to time with the approval of the Competent Authority;
(n) “Selection Committee” means, the Committee constituted by
the Government for the purpose of this Scheme, to select the eligible
Eminent Artistes for the award of Puduvai Kalaimamani in the field of
Literature, Music, Drama, Dance, Painting / Sculpture, Folk Arts / Martial
Arts, Orator (Literature) and Photography / Film / Documentary film in
the Union territory of Puducherry;
(o) “Union Territory” means, the Union territory of Puducherry;
and
(p) “Year” means financial year.
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LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
3. Objectives of the Scheme.— The Scheme of awarding Puduvai
Kalaimamani to Eminent Scholars / Artistes in Tamil, Telugu, and
Malayalam languages in the fields of Literature, Music, Drama, Dance,
Painting / Sculpture, Folk Arts / Martial Arts, Orator (literature) and
Photography / Film / Documentary film in the Union territory of Puducherry,
holds significant importance for several reasons as follows:-
(i) Recognition and Encouragement
Honoring Talent : The award serves as a formal
recognition of the exceptional talent and contributions of
artistes in various fields such as Music, Dance, Literature,
and Visual arts.
Boosting Morale : By recognizing their efforts, the award
boosts the morale of artists, encouraging them to continue
their creative endeavors and strive for excellence.
(ii) Cultural Preservation
Promoting Heritage : By acknowledging artistes working
in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, the Scheme helps to
preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of these
languages and the traditions associated with them.
Inspiring Future Generations : Highlighting the
achievements of Eminent Artistes can inspire younger
generations to pursue and appreciate traditional art forms,
ensuring their continuity.
(iii) Social and Cultural Cohesion
Unity in Diversity : Puducherry is a multi-cultural region
viz., Puducherry and Karaikal (Tamil), Mahe (Malayalam),
Yanam (Telugu) and awarding artistes from different
linguistic backgrounds fosters a sense of unity and respect
for cultural diversity within the community.
Community Engagement : The awards can encourage the
community by bringing attention to the diverse cultural
practices within Union territory of Puducherry, promoting
mutual respect and understanding.
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(iv) Promotion of Regional Languages
Language Preservation : By awarding artistes who
contribute to the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages,
the Scheme promotes the use and preservation of these
regional languages.
Literary and Artistic Growth : It encourages the
production of new literary and artistic works in these
languages, contributing to their growth and evolution.
(v) Economic and Professional Support
Professional Recognition : The award can enhance the
professional status of artistes, potentially opening up more
opportunities for them in terms of collaborations,
sponsorships and patronage.
Economic Benefits : Recognition can lead to increased
demand for the artistes’ work, providing them with better
financial stability and the means to continue their craft.
(vi) Government and Institutional Support
Policy Advocacy : Such awards highlight the importance
of supporting the arts, potentially influencing Government
policies and leading to increased funding and resources
for cultural initiatives.
Institutional Collaboration : The recognition can foster
collaborations between artistes and cultural institutions,
further enriching the cultural landscape of Puducherry.
4. Eligibility / Qualifications.— To receive a Kalaimamani
Awardee, the applicant shall be,-
(i) resident of Puducherry either by birth or by continuous
residence for a period of not less than five years preceding the date of
submission of application;
(ii) Age must not be less than 30 years on the date of
submission of application; and
(iii) The applicant should be an Artiste;
(iv) The artiste should have professionally rendered yeomen
services for the enrichment of the traditional arts.
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LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(v) An artiste who is popular in various art disciplines can be
conferred the Kalaimamani Award for one discipline only.
(vi) The artiste’s performance should have had lasting
contribution, popularity and merit in the art disciplines of Tamil Literature,
Music, Dance, Drama, Folk arts / Martial arts, Painting / Sculptures,
Orator (Literature) and Film / Photography / documentary film etc.
5. Application process.— The advertisement by the Department
of Art and Culture is published in the newspapers.
(i) The interested Scholars/Artistes should visit (during office
hours) the Office of the Department of Art and Culture and request the
hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form (as appended
to this Scheme as Form - I & II in English and Tamil version) from the
Staff exclusively entrusted to issue and collect filled-in applications.
Additionally, application forms will be uploaded on Department of Art
and Culture website art.py.gov.in. which can be viewed and downloaded
by applicant artists.
(ii) In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and
attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
(iii) Submit the duly filled and signed application form along
with the mandatory documents, proof certificate, issued by the Revenue
Department, Puducherry to the Director, Directorate of Art and Culture,
No. 1, Rue Remain Rolland, Puducherry-605 001 on or before the last
date of receipt of the application.
(iv) Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned
authority to whom the application has been submitted.
6. Constitution of Selection Committee.— (i) The composition of
the Selection Committee will be as mentioned in Schedule-1 of this
Scheme.
(ii) The Selection Committee shall be notified within 30 days
from the date of notification of this Scheme by the Government. The tenure
of the nominated Member will be for three years.
7. Methodology for selection of Scholars / Artistes for conferring
Award of Puduvai Kalaimamani.— (a) The Director of Art and Culture
shall verify the applications along with the furnished documents and
forward them to the Selection Committee for verification.
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(b) The Scholars / Artistes shall be selected by the ‘Selection
Committee’ based on their lasting contributions, popularity, experiences,
recognition and merit in their respective art disciplines thereto.
(c) The ‘Selection Committee’ reserves the right to reject the
application, if, the Committee considers it invalid or insufficient to confer
the Award. The final decision on award recipients is made collectively
by the Selection Committee. The applicants have no right to go for
appeal against the recommendation of the “Selection Committee”.
(d) Based on the recommendations of the “Selection Committee”,
the Member-Secretary of the Committee shall prepare a field-wise
selection list of eligible Artistes as specified in Schedule-II of this
Scheme and submit the same to the Government for approval.
(e) A separate register shall be maintained by the entrusted
staff regarding the details of the Awardees/Beneficiary. Details of
field-wise Kalaimamani Awardees will be uploaded on the website of
Department of Art and Culture art.py.gov.in.
8. Cash Award.— Artists who excel in the fields of Literature,
Music, Drama, Dance, Painting/Sculpture, Folk Arts / Martial Arts, Orator
(Literature) and Photography/Film/Documentary film will be selected and
honored at the Kalaimamani Award Ceremony as mentioned in
Schedule-III of this Scheme.
9. Amendment of Scheme.— The Government shall have the right
to amend, modify, supersede or nullify any of the clauses without any
notice or assigning any reasons therefor.
10. Interpretation.— If, any doubt arises as to the interpretation
of this Scheme, the same shall be referred to the Secretary to Government
(Art and Culture), Puducherry whose decision thereon shall be the final
and binding.
(By order of the Lieutenant-Governor)
MOHAMMED AHSAN ABID, I.A.S.,
Secretary to Government (Art and Culture).
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LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
SCHEDULE–I
[See Clause 6 (i)]
COMPOSITION OF SELECTION COMMITTEE
(i) Hon’ble Minister for Art and Culture
. . Chairman
(ii) Secretary to Government (Art and Culture)
. . Member
(iii) Two Experts to be nominated by the Government
. . Member
(in each field, viz., Music, Dance, Drama, Painting /
Sculpture, Folk Arts / Martial Arts, Orator (Literature)
and Film/Photography / Documentary film)
(iv) Director of Art and Culture
. . Member-
Secretary.
————
Schedule II
[See Clause 7 (d)]
SELECTION LIST OF FIELD-WISE ELIGIBLE ARTISTES
Sl.
Field
No of
Region
No.
Awadees
per Year
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
1.
Literature
4
2.
Music
4
3.
Dance
4
4.
Drama
4
Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe
5.
Painting / Sculpture
4
and Yanam.
6.
Orator (Literature)
4
7.
Photography / Film /
4
Documentary film.
8.
Folk/Martial arts
4
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9.
Literature, Music, Dance,
2
As a special allotment, two
Drama, Painting / Sculpture,
persons shall be selected from
Folk / Martial arts / Orator
Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam
(Literature), Photography /
regions out of aforesaid fields
Film / Documentary film.
on rotation basis.
Total
34 Awardees
————
SCHEDULE–III
[See Clause 8]
CASH AWARDS
Sl.
Fields
Award
Award details
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
1.
Literature
Kalaimamani Award
2.
Music
Kalaimamani Award
3.
Dance
Kalaimamani Award
4.
Drama
Kalaimamani Award
5.
Painting / Sculpture
Kalaimamani Award
6.
Orator (Literature)
Kalaimamani Award
7.
Photography / Film /
Kalaimamani Award
Documentary film
8.
Folk/Martial arts
Kalaimamani Award
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Cash purse of
50,000 and
a
Certificate
with Memento
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[PART–II
FORM–II
[See Clause 5 (i)]
“”
–I
–II
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PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
“”
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LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
FORM–I
[See Clause 5 (i)]
GOVERNMENT OF PUDUCHERRY
DEPARTMENT OF ART AND CULTURE
APPLICATION FORM FOR THE AWARD OF
“PUDUCHERRY KALAIMAMANI”
[LITERATURE, MUSIC, DRAMA, DANCE, PAINTING /
SCULPTURE, FOLK/MARTIAL ARTS, PHOTOGRAPHY / FILM /
DOCUMENTARY FILM, ORATOR (LITERATURE)]
Last date of submission of application :
PART–I
(Personal Data)
1. Name
:
2. Parent’s Name
:
3. Address
:
(Residence Certificate to be
attached) Phone No.
4. Age/Date of Birth
:
(Birth Certificate to be attached)
5. Educational Qualifications
:
(certificates to be attached)
6. Service
:
(certificate to be attached)
7. Monthly Income
:
(certificate to be attached)
PART–II
(Field of Eminence)
8. F i e l d o f S p e c i a l i z a t i o n / :
Proficiency and Experience
(Literature, Music, Drama, Dance,
Drawing, Folk / Martial Arts, Orator
(Literature), Photography / film /
documentary film).
Photo
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9. (a) Name of the Teacher / the
:
Institution imparted training to
the Artiste.
(b) Conferences / workshops
that which you have taken part
(c) Books / Articles published
by you (list to be attached)
(d) Specific concerts that you
have conducted
10. Arts / literary activities you have
:
participated in abroad
11. Titles / Distinctions / National
:
or State Awards that you have
won for Literature / Arts
activities
12. Entitlement that you consider
:
For the award for “PUDUCHERRY
KALAIMAMANI”.
13. Name and Address of two experts
:
(1)
of your field to assess your
expertise.
(2)
14. Other related expertise, if any
:
DECLARATION
I undersigned declare that by virtue of birth / residence I belong
to Union territory of Puducherry and also that all the details mentioned
above are obviously true to the best of my belief and knowledge.
Place :
Signature
Date
:
online publication at “https://styandptg.py.gov.in”
Published by the Director, Government Press, Puducherry.