Noted flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia was conferred the Sangeeta Ratna Award instituted by the Mysore-based Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation on Saturday.
Vocalist M. Balamuralikrishna and industrialist Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty presented the award at the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Memorial Music Festival organised jointly by the Foundation and Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha. Recalling various jugalbandhis he had performed with Pandit Chaurasia, Mr. Balamuralikrishna said those who attended the concerts felt that his voice in the music flowed from the flute of Chaurasia, while his voice resembled the sound of flute. “Together we created awareness about Indian music,” he added.
Jayant Kastuar, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Academy, said, “By honouring Pandit Chaurasia we are honouring the great tradition of Indian classical music.”
Mr. Chaurasia said he was really excited to receive the award.
Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, who could not attend the function, sent his greetings.
