NEW YORK: The United States Congress has issued a Congressional recognition honoring Dr Mangalampalli Bala Muralikrishna for his stellar contribution to Carnatic music for the past seven decades.

The special proclamation by Texas Congressman Nick Lampson praises Dr Bala Muralikrishna’s multi-faceted contributions to Indian classical music and says he is a legend through his many contributions to Carnatic music. The Congressional recognition was presented to Dr Bala Muralikrishna at a function held in New York by Shri Vari Foundation (a non-profit organization formed to promote Indian music and dance in the US) to commemorate his 70 years of contribution to music and 77 years of age.

Several speakers showered praise on his trailblazing and colossal contribution at the function held on Oct 6 in Plainview Bethpage Auditorium in Long Island, New York. Upendra Chivukula, deputy speaker of the New Jersey State Assembly, chief guest, said Bala Muralikrishna was among the tallest Indian musicians who can draw packed audience in any city in the world.

He read out a New Jersey State Assembly resolution passed by Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., which pays tributes to his meritorious talents and outstanding career as a composer and musician. The New Jersey State Assembly also honored with special resolutions – Dr Saraswati, Bharatanatyam teacher, for nurturing the art form and Shobana Ramesh. Bharatanatyam dancer of Chennai for promoting Mahakavi Bharati in Bharatanatyam.

Harry Anand, Mayor of Laurel Hollow, a city in Long Island, New York, the only Indian-origin elected as mayor in New York State; Dr Ajay Gondane, deputy Consul General of India in New York, Councilman Tony Santino of Town of Hempstead of New York; Judge Richard Lawrence, judge of the Supreme Court, Albert Chelladurai, president elect of New York Tamil Association and Prasad Kambhampaty, president of Telugu Literary and Cultural Society (TLCA) spoke praising Dr Bala Muralikrishna’s contribution to music.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr Prakaash M Swami, founder-president of Shri Vari Foundation, New York, said the foundation was formed to promote Indian music, dance and heritage among third generation Indian-American youth and children. K. Veerabadra Kumar, secretary of the foundation, proposed a vote of thanks. The function was followed by a concert of Dr Bala Muralikrishna and preceded by Bharatanatyam by Shobana Ramesh.