This Article is From Jul 14, 2015

MS Viswanathan Should Have Got Padma Award, Says Jayalalithaa

MS Viswanathan Should Have Got Padma Award, Says Jayalalithaa

A file photo of MS Viswanathan. (Image courtesy: Ramana)

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on July 14 condoled the death of music composer MS Viswanathan and said the central government should have honoured him with a Padma award.

In a statement Jayalalithaa said that it pained her that Mr Viswanathan, who has been honoured with several other awards, was not conferred with a Padma award.

She said that since 1991, when she became the chief minister, she has been recommending Mr Viswanathan's name for the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour. (Also Read: Tamil Composer MS Viswanathan Dies at 87)

"The Central Government which does not do anything in favour of the states did not lend an ear to this as well," she said. Jayalalithaa added that by scoring the music for Tamizh Thai Vazthu, Mr Viswanathan had secured a place in the hearts of every Tamilian. Tamil Nadu has adopted the song as its anthem.

MSV, as he was fondly called by the members of Tamil film industry, was undergoing treatment at Fortis Malar hospital for age related ailments and breathing problem. "He passed away around 4.30 am on Tuesday," a family source told IANS. He was 87.
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