The United States Congress has released a Certificate of Recognition honouring legendary Carnatic vocalist Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna.
The proclamation by Congressman Nick Lampson from Texas praised the musical genius of Dr Balamuralikrishna and his multi-faceted contribution to Indian classical music, describing him as a 'legend.'
The Congressional recognition was presented to Mangalampalli at a function organised by Shri Vari Foundation in Long Island, near New York.
Deputy speaker of the New Jersey State Assembly, Upendra Chivukula, who was the chief guest at the function, said Dr Balamuralikrishna was among the tallest Indian musicians who can draw packed audiences in any city of the world.
He read out a State assembly resolution passed by Speaker Joseph Roberts, which paid tributes to his meritorious talent and outstanding career as a composer and musician. The State assembly also honoured Dr Saraswati, a Bharatanatyam teacher, for
Harry Anand, mayor of Laurel Hollow, a village on Long Island, the only Indian-American elected as Mayor in New York state, Dr Ajay Gondane, Deputy Consul General of India in New York, Councilman Tony Santino of the Township of Hempstead, Judge Richard Lawrence, Albert Chelladurai, President-elect of New York Tamil Association and Prasad Kambhampati, president of Telugu Literary and Cultural Society were prominent among those who expressed their appreciation of the music legend at the function.
Dr Prakaash M Swami, founder-president of the New York-based foundation, welcoming the gathering, said the foundation was formed to promote Indian music, dance and heritage among young Indian-Americans. K Veerabadra Kumar, secretary of the foundation, proposed a vote of thanks.
The function was followed by a concert by the septuagenarian maestro.
