Mysuru: Vidushi A. Rajamma Keshavamurthy of Chikkamagalur was conferred ‘State Sangeetha Vidwan Award’ by Chief Minister Siddharamaiah as part of Dasara cultural programmes at the Palace premises here last evening.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said the State Government has framed a new cultural policy, according to which the cash prize for the award has been increased from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh.

Pointing out that Rajamma had dedicated her entire life to music, the CM said her voice had not waned even at this advanced age.

“Rajamma’s entire family is involved in music. The many awards she has won shows her rich talent,” he said.

Rajamma, who received the award, turned emotional and thanked Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and a host of other dignitaries for bestowing the State honours on her.

MLA M.K. Somashekar presided. Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, Deputy Mayor Rathna Lakshman, District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree, Sugar Minister Dr. Geetha Mahadevaprasad, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait, Poet Prof. K.S. Nissar Ahmed, who inaugurated the Dasara atop Chamundi Hill, MLC R. Dharmasena, ZAK Chairperson Mallige Veeresh, MyLac Chairman H.A. Venkatesh, leader Dr. Yathindra Siddharamaiah and a host of other leaders were present.  The event was followed by dance-drama ‘Dasara Vikasa Vaibhava’ by artistes of Bengaluru’s ‘Prabhat Kalavidaru’ and ‘Mahishamardhini’ by actor and danseuse Sudha Chandran.