Lata Mangeshkar to be conferred 'Swarbhaskar' award

Singing legend Lata Mangeshkar will be the first recipient of the ''Swarbhaskar'' award, instituted in memory of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

The award, which carries a citation and Rs one lakh, will be conferred on Lata on February 12, Pune Mayor Mohansingh Rajpal told reporters here today.

In addition to the institution of "Swarbhaskar" award, PMC has also planned an annual cultural programme comprising classical concerts to be held on birth anniversary of Joshi.

An art gallery too will be set up to perpetuate his memory, it was announced.