Karnataka starts award in memory of Joshi

The Karnataka Govt instituted an annual award in the memory of Bhimsen Joshi.

Bangalore: The Karnataka government Friday instituted an annual award in the memory of Bhimsen Joshi, doyen of classical music who passed away last month.

Named Bhimsen Joshi Sangeet Ratna, the award carries a purse of Rs.100,000. It will be given annually to an outstanding musician, said Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa in the state assembly. The house paid tribute to Joshi, who was an exponent of Kirana Gharana. Yeddyurappa described Joshi as "one of the stars in the galaxy of Hindustani musicians of the nation". Joshi was born near Gadag in north Karnataka Feb 4, 1922 and passed away in Pune in neighbouring Maharashtra Jan 24. He was honoured with India`s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna. IANS