Renowned singer S P Balasubramaniam was presented the Harivarasanam award, instituted by the Kerala Government, at a function here today.
The annual award, carrying a cash purse of Rs 1 lakh and a citation, was presented by Devaswom Minister, V S Sivakumar, temple sources said.
He was selected for the award in recognition of his contribution to propagate the spirit of secularism and universal brotherhood of Sabarimala through the songs he rendered.
Speaking at the function held at the famous hill temple of Lord Ayyappa, SPB said though various awards had come his way during his five decades of singing career, he considered the Harivarasanam award as the most important of all.
"The Lord Ayyappa temple is the finest example of religious harmony. I have sung Ayyappa bhakti songs in various languages, inclduing Hindi. But this is the first time I am coming to the Sannidhanam (temple)," he said.
