Isai Mandram is a music association started to promote pure form of ancient Tamil music popularly known as the tamizh Isai throughout Tamil Nadu.
[1] It was founded in 1943 by Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar, designed to promote Tamil music.
[4] During the music festival, Tamil Isai Sangam rewards prominent classical artists for their craft.
[4] The 11th President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, once sung at the festival with a song he composed himself, to the surprise of the media.
[5] As the festival is popular in India, Kalam later explained he was using it as a venue promote the inclusion of music in the school curriculum.