Among the 96 personalities who have been chosen from various fields, 11 artistes representing South Indian classical music and dance will be honoured.

Carnatic vocalist T.N. Seshagopalan and Bharatanatyam dancer Alarmel Valli receive the 'Padma Bhushan'.

Recipients of the 'Padma Shri' award are thavil artiste A.K. Palanivel, flautists Sikkil Sisters (Neela and Kunjumani), Saxophone artiste Kadri Gopalnath, carnatic vocalists Neyyattinkara Vasudevan and Sudha Raghunathan, Mohiniattam dancer Bharati Shivaji, Kuchipudi Guru Jayaram Rao and Kathakali artiste K.R. Kumaran Nair.

While the Sikkil Sisters were on a SPICMACAY tour of Andhra Pradesh, when the awards were announced, T.N. Seshagopalan was giving a concert in Mumbai.

Speaking to KutcheriBuzz, Sudha Raghunathan says, "I'm very emotionally moved. I feel there is a huge responisibilty on me as a custodian of this art. And now, the public will expect more and I have to move forward with more effort and dedication. I also have to set an example for the younger generation.

Whatever has happened in my career, is also because of the effort of so many people who have worked with me. It includes an understanding family. And the blessings of my gurus. I think destiny has smiled on me!"

If you want to wish these artistes, mail your messages to editor@kutcheribuzz.com

We will post your messages here.

Here are the messages recieved at Kutcheribuzz.

My heartiest congratulations to T.N. Seshagopalan for receiving the coveted Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India on the eve of Republic Day. TNS richly deserves this recognition for his great contribution to the carnatic music. As an ardent fan and a crazy rasika of TNS, I wish many more awards and recognitions in the days to come.

-R. Sridhar
Mumbai