Thiruvananthapuram, Tuesday, February 15, 2011: ‘Swathi Puraskaram’, the highest musical award of Kerala government, was presented to noted singer K J Yesudas at a function here today. State Minister for Culture M A Baby presented the award to Yesudas in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and culture.

Speaking on the occasion, the 71-year-old announced that he is donating the award amount of Rs one lakh towards the fund set up by the government to help the aurally challenged children.

Yesudas was selected by a jury headed by ‘mridangam’ maestro Umayalpuram Sivaraman. The award, named after legendary musician and composer Swathi Thirunal, comprises Rs. 1 lakh, citation and memento.

Mukesh, Chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi and Akademi secretary Ravunni presided over the function.