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Revenue services showcase their cultural talent

Source: The Hindu, Staff Reporter, November 24, 2004

M. B. N. Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Bank, greets playback singer, S. P. Balasubramaniam, at the inaugural of the 18th All-India Central Revenue Cultural Meet 2004 in Chennai on Tuesday. Looking on are J. Sridharan (extreme left), Chi ef Commissioner of Central Excise, Binoy Gupta (second from left), Chief Commissioner of Income-Tax, actor Vikram (second from right), and actress, Sadha. — Photo: K. V. Srinivasan

`Chiyaan' Vikram summed up what everyone had to say at the inaugural function of the All India Cultural Meet organised by the Income Tax department, Chennai. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So it's good that you take time out to play," he said, as the three-day cultural fest kicked off at Nadigar Sangam after M. B. N. Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Bank, lit the traditional lamp.

Sri Hari Rao, Joint Commissioner of Customs, Bangalore, practised for a month before he took the stage on Tuesday afternoon. He won first prize for his solo dance performance for the third time in nine years. Mr. Sri Hari, a Kuchipudi dancer from the 1991 batch, was chosen by the jury for his piece on `Dasavathara Shabdam.'

True, officials of the Income-Tax, Central Excise and Customs Department actually get to rub shoulders with one another only once a year.

Celebrating cultural heritage

Binoy Gupta, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, said it was the time of the year when the department celebrated the nation's cultural heritage.

The event was an excuse for officials from the three departments to bond, interact and unwind.

"There's nothing official about this," said one official. "We have a State-level cultural meet and then a zonal-level meet. The winners at the zonal-level clash at the All-India Cultural meet. So we have the cream of talent here," he added.

A little spice

The singer, S.P. Balasubramaniam, and the actress, Sadha, dropped in to add a little spice to the otherwise sober affair.

Ms. R. Girdhar, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, and J. Sridharan, Chief Commissioner of Central Excise, were the other guests of honour.

Actors Madhavan and Sonia Agarwal and musician Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan are expected to participate in the valedictory function on Thursday.

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