At the behest of Dr.M. Balamuralikrishna, the Cultural Advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, well known artistes from all over the country were presented the 'Lifetime Achievement Awards'. They were presented with bouquets, shawls, a plaque and Rs. 1 lakh each. While some of the awardees could not attend the function in person due to various reasons, those who attended provided a glimpse of the 'greatest' in Indian classical and light music. This lead to the opening remark by the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, M. V. Kamath, that he felt like he was in Indralok or Devalok when he landed in Hyderabad. He further commented that he would rather be in the company of this galaxy of musician stars who represent the 'Soul' of India rather than be with Presidents and Prime Ministers around the world, with whom he interacted regularly.

Recipients of this distinguished honour were M. S. Subbulakshmi, D. K. Pattammal, T. Mukta, Dr. Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna, Nedunuri Krishnamurthy (all for Carnatic Vocal), Bhimsen Joshi, Kishori Amonkar, Gangubai Hangal, Pandit Jasraj (Hindusthani Vocal), Manna Dey and Lata Mangeskar (light vocal) and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika (Folk Music). Amongst those honoured for excellence in instrumental music were N. Ramani (flute), Ustad Bismillah Khan (shehnai), Pandit Ravi Shankar (sitar), Prof. T. N. Krishnan and M. S. Gopalakrishnan (violin), T. K. Murthy and Palghat R. Raghu (mridangam), Ustad Sabri Khan (Sarangi), Sharan Rani (Sarod), Pandit Kishan Maharaj (Tabla) and noted composer of film music M. S. Viswanathan.

The awardees, who were recommended earlier by the Chief Guest of the day, Justice K. Jayachandra Reddy, are all 'top grade' artistes of Akashvani for at least 30 years. Some like Prof. T. N. Krishnan and Dr. MBK have been associated with Akashvani (A.I.R.) for over six decades.

Justice Reddy, Chairman of the Press Council of India, who made the presentation reminisced jokingly that he was rejected by A.I.R., just like the now famous Amitabh Bachan was, when he auditioned for a post while still a student in Chennai. He said jokingly, that he did not understand how A.I.R. whose audience is dwindling by the day could organize such a function.

K. S. Sarma, C.E.O. of Prasar Bharati also addressed the gathering. He mentioned that later this year Akashvani, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, will also be celebrating the golden jubilee of A.I.R. 'Sangeet Sammelan' programme. He said that Bangalore now has a FM station airing classical music, and Hyderabad may get one soon.

It was indeed a memorable evening, where the stalwarts of the Indian music field gathered at one place and mingled freely with the specially invited rasikas. Their photographs and autographs were eagerly sought by the enthused rasikas. The evening was topped with a dinner at the Jubilee Hall lawns.