Varanasi's Pandit Channulal Mishra elated on receiving Padma Bhushan Award

Varanasi, Jan. 26 (ANI): Renowned classical singer Pandit Channulal Mishra from Varanasi has expresses delight after receiving Padma Bhushan Award on the occasion of the country's 61st Republic Day on Tuesday.

"One should not expect anything, because if the results are not favourable, one does not feel good. I never expected that I will be conferred with this award. Though my students and fellow musicians had received this much earlier," Pandit Mishra said.

Born on 3rd August 1936, Pandit Mishra is a noted exponent of the Kirana Gharana of Indian classical music.

He started his musical education from his father at the age of eight and today he is considered to be the finest model in presenting a combination of various forms of singing.

The family members of Pandit Channulal, however, said the vocalist should have got the recognition much earlier.

"I am very happy that my father is being bestowed with a national honour. I won't say that I did not expect this award; rather I was expecting this award for a very long time. I think the government should have given this award much earlier," said Rupa Mishra, daughter of Pandit Mishra.

The Padma Bhushan awards stands third in the hierarchy of civilian awards, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan.

It is awarded to distinguish service of a high order to the nation, in any field.

The awards were given in disciplines including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature, sports and civil service.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will confer the awards later.

Other Padma Bhushan awardees include ace music composer A R Rehman and Illaiyaraaja, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, classical dancer Mallika Sarabhai, cardiac surgeon Ramakant Madanmohan Panda and columnist Fareed Zakaria. (ANI)