Mysore/Mysuru: Noted folk singer Dr. M. Malavalli Mahadevaswamy, who was conferred Honorary Doctorate by University of Mysore (UoM) during its Convocation in March, was felicitated at a programme organised by Saptaswara Sinchana Trust in association with Amma Vasundhare Trust at Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha on JLB road here on Friday.

Speaking after inaugurating, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Mysuru, Medical Superintendent Dr. K.S. Sadanand said that while he is a Medical Doctor, Dr. Mahadevaswamy is an Hon. Doctor who treats mental and societal ailments through folk songs.

Pointing out that music therapy is gaining significance these days, Dr. Sadanand said that Mahadevaswamy’s folk music is a treat to the mind and ears. It is befitting that the University has honoured the famed folk singer, he added.

Speaking after receiving the felicitation, Dr. Mahadevaswamy said that no one should ever forget his/her past. Noting that thespian Dr. Rajkumar was a great inspiration for him, he said he took to folk singing for the sake of livelihood and he was happy that he has excelled in this art, which was also his life.

Stating that he has set up a Trust for saving folklore, he sought a plot from the Government for the construction of the building, which would be used for teaching and  promotion of art.

MCC Zonal Assistant Commissioner M. Nanjundaiah, UoM Folklore Department Head Prof.Nanjaiah Honganuru, Senior Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar, Mysuru District Kannada Janapada Parishat President Dr. H. Kyathanahalli Prakash, Jayadeva Hospital faculty Dr. K.R. Manjunath, Sriram Bhagvath of Vishnu Agencies, AVSS Organisation President Tumbala Ramanna, Saptaswara Sinchana Trust President N. Harish, Amma Vasundhare Trust Founder-Secretary G. Amma Ramachandra and others were present on the occasion.