NEW DELHI: Maestro A R Rahman, who has already achieved a first by getting an Oscar for his music in Slumdog Millionaire, is recipient of this year's Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration.

Presenting the award to him at a function here on Mrs Gandhi's death anniversary, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said there could not be a more deserving recipient of this award since he had contributed through his art to bring about integration.

He said that different people used different ways to promote national integration. Rahman had done this through his music and created a greater understanding of all genres of music.

He picked up tunes and songs which spread oneness, love, patriotism, and a feeling of integration. Films like Roja, Bombay and Lagaan for which Rahman gave music were aimed at showing the integration and integrity of the nation. The songs were appropriate for this, Singh added.

The album �Vande Mataram' or the rendering of the national anthem �Jana Gana Man' with 35 artistes from different disciplines had also contributed towards this, Singh added.

His work through the Music Academy established by him and his work on a non-governmental organisation for street and orphaned children were other ways in which Rahman showed his patriotism.

The award consists of a citation, a shawl, and Rs 500,000.