Monday, May 2 2005 20:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Veteran carnatic musician, Dr M Balamuralikrishna, has been selected by the French Government for the "Chevalier" award.

He will be the first Carnatic musician to be selected for the award, which is the French Government's highest civilian award.

Balamuralikrishna will be the second from South India to get this honour after legendary actor, the late "Sivaji" Ganesan.

The French Government's decision was conveyed to the musician by its Culture Minister Rennaud Donne Dieu De Vabres, in a letter.

The award is being conferred on him for his distinguished contribution to the field of arts and music.

"It is a rare honour for the entire carnatic music world. I am surprised they have recognised a musician, that too a carnatic musician.It is my first international award, though I have received many honours from Indians abroad," Balamuralikrishna told PTI today (May 2, 2005).

He said the award might be conferred on him either at Paris or at the French Embassy in New Delhi.