Mysore/Mysuru: Prof. R. Visweswaran, who was conferred with ‘Academy  Ratna’ Fellowship by the Kendra Sangeeta Academy, was warmly felicitated at a function organised by Federation of Music Sabhas, Mysuru, recently.

The function was held at Ganabharathi’s  Rama-Govinda Kalavedike,  Kuvempunagar   in the city.

The veteran musician was felicitated in the presence of Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, President of the Federation Dr. Rama V. Bennur and the office-bearers of more than 20 music and cultural organisations.

Prof. Visweswaran’s wife Usha, Vidwan Narasimhamurthy and his wife Vidushi Rajalakshmi  and Vidushi Sahana were also felicitated at the function.

Speaking after accepting the felicitation, Vidwan Visweswaran said that he was not overawed after getting the ‘Academy Ratna’ award. “I humbly consider the award as the order of Goddess Saraswati to receive the award on her behalf. This is my sincere feeling. I am a native of Mysuru and this honour also belongs to the people of Mysuru. This award is dedicated to the people of Mysuru, all my friends in the music field, my parents and to all those who love me and have a good opinion about me,” said Prof. Visweswaran who later presented a Veena recital accompanied by  H.L. Shiva-shankaraswamy on mridanga and Sharath Koushik on ghata.

“The talent blessed by God is more than one attained by family tradition. Only talent strengthens and nurtures tradition. Tradition cannot create talent and also cannot portray a non-existent talent. Talent exists among the sensibilities of tradition and it is essential that it should be inclusive of unanimity.  There should be no room for any arrogance and arbitrariness. Qualification and eligibility are important to recognise talent. We should not be under the feeling that I have this talent because of my hardwork and perseverance. Rather we should be grateful to God for bestowing the eligibility to get the award.” — Prof. R. Visweswaran