Kakinada: Deputy Speaker Kona Raghupati unveils Balamuralikrishna statue

Kakinada: Deputy Speaker Kona Raghupati and Brahmin Welfare Corporation Chairman Malladi Vishnu unveiled the statue of vocalist and playback singer Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna at Sankaragupatham village of Malkipuam mandal in East Godavari district on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Speaker said that the singer's birthplace should be an inspiration for budding singers and musicians. The State government has plans to set up a Music University and Museum at his birth place, Sankaraguptam village.

Vishnu said that in classical music, Balamuralikrishna gave his first concert when he was nine years old and the quality of his music was explained by the fact that All India Radio (AIR), Chennai, included him as a child artiste in the list of A grade artistes.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements as a classical vocalist, Balamuralikrishna was conferred the Padma Vibhushan Award, the second highest civilian award.