Chennai: He had no hands and legs since birth. But this did not deter him from learning music. As if to recognise S.R. Krishnamurthy’s skills in music, he was awarded Ghana Kala Rathna award during the 79th jayanthi of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadhipathi Sri Jayendra Saraswathi.
Many who had distinguished themselves in their chosen fields were also conferred with awards in the presence of the Kanchi acharyas: Sri Jayendra Saraswathi and Sri Vijeyandra Saraswathi at the function organised by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Chennapuri Baktha Jana Samajam, Janakalyan, Chennai, and Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Bakthargal Pervai at Krishna Gana Sabha here on Saturday.
K.S. Jayaraman was conferred Bhagavath Seva Rathna for temple renovation, Dr Seshadrinathan, who had donated blood 96 times, was presented Jana Seva Rathna, Dr Ramachandran and Madurai Ananda Amritham were feted with Guruseva Rathna award, Vikadam Kalyana Sundaram was awarded Asiaprakasamani, Mahavidwan V. Sivasubramanian was given Thievatamizhchakravarthi, Surekhamehtha was presented with Manovseva Rathna, Malathi Balakrishnan was given Prathamaguru Rathna, Gowri Swaminathan was awarded Gurusreshtamani and R.N. Sundaram was given Janaseva Rathna award.
Besides, 39 other persons were honoured with awards on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi called for sustained efforts to serve all sections of the society in a selfless manner. He said that he formed several organisations to help welfare aid reach the deserving. “All this was done in addition to spreading Vedas,” he added.
Noting that service alone was of importance, Sri Vijeyandra Saraswathi said “not all can involve in service….only those with noble thoughts indulge in service.” The senior pontiff distributed sewing machines and tricycles to beneficiaries. Over 180 spiritual and social organisations paid their respects to the Kanchi seers.