Lata to be honoured with Pazhassi Raja award

Aug 24, 2011 IANS

Mumbai, Aug 24 (IANS) Singing legend Lata Mangeshkar will Thursday be honoured with the Pazhassi Raja Sangeetha Ratna award by Governor of Maharashtra K. Sankaranarayanan for her contribution to the music industry.

"The Pazhassi Raja Sangeetha Ratna award will be presented to Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar on behalf of the Pazhassi Raja Charitable Trust," an official said.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, head of the Ramoji Group Ramoji Rao and other eminent personalities will also be honoured with other awards including Dharmagandha and Dhrishya Kala Ratna awards on the occasion.

Veera Pazhassi Kerala Varma Raja, King of Kottayam is regarded as the first Indian ruler to wage a war against the imperial British rule. Pazhassi Raja had long and bitter warfare with Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and the British much before the first Indian war of independence.

Pazhassi Raja Charitable Trust is an organisation instituted with a view to igniting the noble feelings of patriotism and kindling awareness among the young citizens about the noble sacrifices of the freedom fighters of yesteryears.