Kanpur Mahadeva Bhagavathar was on Sunday conferred the title Sankeerthana Kalanidhi by the Integrated Academy of Performing Arts, Sri Krishna Gana Sabha and Bhagavatha Seva Trust.
He was honoured with a medallion and a cash award for over five decades of service to Namasankeerthanam.
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam pontiff Jayendra Saraswathi said Bhodhendral, Sadhguru Swamigal and Sreedhar Iyyaval were the trinity of Namasankeerthanam, an important tool to reach god in Kali Yuga. Marudhanallur Sadguru Swamigal was the one who integrated the sampradayas of the North and South and created the present paddhadhi. He also expressed happiness that a total of 64 Bhagavathas were being provided monthly pension of Rs. 1,500 each.
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Union minister for shipping G. K. Vasan, who presented the award, commended the three organisations for having successfully conducted the Namasankeerthanam festival for 12 years.
Industrialist Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty, Krishna Gana Sabha secretary Y. Prabhu, City Union Bank managing director N. Kamakoti and ‘Cleveland’ V. V. Sundaram also participated.