Among these numerous awards, the 'Sangita Kalanidhi' title is one that every artiste aspires to. To be honored with The Music Academy's 'Sangita Kalanidhi' is considered the pinnacle of glory for a musician, but the award brings with it, its own share of controversy and derision too. Framed photographs of the awardees down the years form a kind of 'Hall of Fame' display at the foyer of the Music Academy.

Some artistes are superstitious about the title because there are rumours that at least three artistes died soon after receiving the 'Sangita Kalanidhi'!

Although it is debatable as to why dancers are not honoured with the title (with the exception of Balasaraswathi), one must accede that dance, according to the founding principles of the Academy, takes a back seat.

How is the awardee selected each year? Is it an Oscar-award like process or is it a round table meeting over Kapi and tiffin? Well, there is a well defined process of selection.

The title goes to the most outstanding musician, singer or scholar who has made significant contribution in his/her field. And popularity of the person is not a prime factor. According to a committee member, what they are looking for is 'vidwat' or in other words, a true scholar of music.

There used to be an 'Experts Committee' many years ago, which took on this onerous task of sifting through possible candidates and selecting the most deserving. But slowly the buzz went around that there were artistes who resorted to unethical means to influence the group. (The committee still exists though.)

Today, the Advisory Committee which selects the title awardee, comprises senior artistes, academicians and professionals who are not performing artistes.

The 'Sangita Kalanidhi' awardee, before being officially conferred the title, has to plan and conduct the more 'intellectual side' of the Academy's programme during the season - the conference.

As is the case, with any conference, there have been stalwarts like Dr. S. Ramanathan and D.K. Jayaraman who have organised excellent conferences and there have been awardees who showed little interest in the conference proceedings. And of course, there have been piqued maestros who have not been decorated when they were at their peak, and the consolation came their way much later.

And here's some interesting information on the musician who made history as the youngest artiste to get the award. It was Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer in the year 1947, and he was only 39.

A few more to know - The Music Academy started awarding the title 'Sangitha Kalanidhi' from the year 1942 and technically Mazhavarayanendal Subbarama Bhagavathar was the first to receive the title. Before that, there were onlt 'presedents' for the 'sadas'. In 1942, Music Academy announced that the 'preseidents' should also be considered as 'Sangitha Kalanidhis' of the respective years.

Sikkil Sisters were the first to receive the title as duo. Though Alathur brothers received the title earlier, they recieved it in two consecutive years!