Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar lauded All India Radio for its service of supporting classical musicians and carrying the art form to the common man.

"The Minister paid glowing tributes to AIR for the yeoman service in patronising hundreds of classical musicians over the years and also carrying this classical art form, which once used to be the exclusive preserve of the wealthy and elites, to the households and huts of common people," a statement quoting Javadekar said.

The Minister was speaking at a concert held at the Chinmaya Mission auditorium in New Delhi as part of the 60th edition of the annual Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan.

Similar concerts were held in 24 cities and towns all over the country yesterday.

Javadekar also lauded AIR for organising "immaculate" musical events which not only have a very significant role to carry forward and passing the heritage and tradition of Indian classical music of all genres to the next generation but also developing Akashvani into a confluence of all.

A large number of eminent artists and upcoming artists performed on the same stage in front of scores of enthralling music lovers as part of AIR's mission of popularising and conserving Indian classical music heritage for posterity.

Veteran artiste Shannu Khurana was also felicitated on the occasion for her life time contribution to music.

This year's sammelan also made special note of the birth centenary of legendary doyen of Hindustani classical music Begum Akhtar.

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