Bharatratna and other Padma awards have become bone of contention since last few years. In the backdrop of such development, the announcement of recognising Indian Classical Music legend Pandit Bhimsen Joshi with the honour of Bharat Ratna, comes as a pleasant surprise. As Manmohan approaches towards the end of the tenure of the Parliament, such announcement brings in headlines that are not trying to corner the authorities, if not put them on a higher note.

The emperor of 'Sur, Taal, and Lay’ made it to the apex civil recognition, yesterday, as a symbol of admiration for the Indian classical music. The maestro, born on 1922, has been worshiping the Indian classical music for last 70 years. His last live performance in Pune – Sawai Gandharv Mahotsav – last year made the audiences experience heaven on the earth for two hours. He was earlier awarded all three Padma Awards – Padmashree, Padmabhushan and Padmavibhushan.

The apex civil award was bestowed on the musical wizard came after awarding Lata Mangeshkar and Ustad Bismillah Khan in 1991. In the last 7 years, there was nobody who was recognised with this honour. Few years the political games were played to corner this award for some political leaders such as Atal Behari Vajpayee. In the backdrop of this entire announcement that comes yesterday late evening is praiseworthy. Keeping aside the possibility of any kind of controversy Rashtrapati Bhavan has managed the stage.

Due to bad health Panditji was not available to media at large. However his statement that he is accepting the award on behalf of all the legends who contributed to the tradition of Indian classical music, underlines the modesty this gentleman nurtures. We take pride to honour him and wish him good health and long life to serve the mankind through his worship of 'Sur Taal and Lay'. We further take our neck out to say that after a long gap of bad news, Indians got a reason to celebrate. May such times prevail.