BANGALORE, December 2: The K K Murthy Memorial Chowdaiah Award for 2008 was presented to Sangeetha Kalanidhi Nedunuri Krishnamurthy and Ganakabhushana Prof. R. Vishwesharan. Constituted by the Academy of Music, the award was presented to the two Carnatic music stalwarts by the patron- in-chief of the Academy and Opposition leader, Mr. M Mallikarjuna Kharge, at a function here on Sunday. Krishnamurthy, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, was chosen for his distinguished work in Carnatic vocal music. On receiving the award, he said, “Carnatic music is a divine art. It is the best way to achieve oneness with the God.” Kannada and Telugu, he said, had played an important role in the development of Carnatic music. “I belong to this land through my guruparampara who belonged to Mysore,” he added. Prof R Vishweshwaran was felicitated for his contributions to the field, both as an exponent of veena and as a self-taught vocalist. The occasion also saw a CD release of ‘Peace from Panchadassakshari’ by Prof. Vishweshwaran.