Mumbai: Evergreen melody queen Asha Bhonsle and noted music composer Illayaraja were among five persons honoured by president A P J Abdul Kalam on 4 April with the prestigious Indian music academy awards.

The 73-year-old Bhonsle received the award from Kalam at a function organised here during which Illayaraja, vocalist Balamurali Krishna and noted Hindustani singer Girija Devi were also honoured.

The 84-year-old noted sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan, who was also selected for the award, could not make it to the function owing to ill-health.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said "I feel that the nation has a tremendous potential in music and performing arts. Particularly our North-eastern states have unique talent in music and dance."

The president said he was working with the Department of Culture for mobilising the students from various performing arts institutions to give performances at correction homes, prisons, orphanages and schools for special children.

"To enable organisation of such performances, the Rashtrapati Bhavan will provide Rs 10 lakh" and a mechanism would be worked out for the formation of a trust which could be entrusted with this noble mission, he said.

Kalam said the Rashtrapati Bhavan was also considering opening up of the musical garden on certain days when artistes can perform in the backdrop of a musical fountain.