Two upcoming artists were also honoured on the occasion. The first Kala Kiran award was given to flutist Romu Majumdar and tabla player Anish Pradhan. The award has been instituted to recognise the contributions of younger artists. Carrying Rs 35,000 and scrolls of honour, the awards will be presented at a later date.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Urdu poet Ali Sardar Jafri said Pt Ram Narayan had given the sarangi the place of a solo instrument. ``Pt Narayan has discovered the sau rang (100 hues) of this instrument. Traditionally considered to be a difficult instrument and relegated tothe being just an accompaniment, Pt Narayan has elevated the sarangi to the status of a solo instrument,'' remarked Jafri.

Governor Alexander, in his speech, appreciated the decorum of the function, and said the high sense of dignity and decorum at this function set it apart from most other award functions in the city. He added that the selection of the awardees makes him wonder as to how many such talented senior maestros will the Sangeet Kala Kendra find every year. The country is rich with such great artists like Pt Narayan from Rajasthan, added Alexander.