'Tamil and Telugu are the eyes of Carnatic music', noted singer M Balamurali Krishna said while speaking at the function to honour veteran carnatic vocalist, D K Pattammal with the title 'Sangeetha Vidhyanidihi' at a function organised by the Andhra Music Academy in the city, yesterday.

Unparalleled and similar to a mother's love is Pattammal's affection to his fellow musicians, Balamurali Krishna said. He also lauded Pattammal as the mother of music.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned danseuse and actor Vyjanthimala Bali, a disciple of Pattammal, described her mentor as a pure personification of compassion. Comparing Pattammal with the goddess of knowledge, she wished her a long and healthy life.

In his address, N Murali, president, Madras Music Academy and managing director of The Hindu said Pattammal is a living legend and a doyen of carnatic music having given her services to the carnatic music world from the early years of 20th century till date. Murali also recalled Pattammal's foray into filmdom as a playback singer.

While reading out the citation presented to Pattammal, R Prabhakar Rao, former director general of police and president, Andhra Music Academy said that Pattammal is part of the trinity of women carnatic singers, the two others are M S Subbulakshmi and M L Vasanthakumari.

Noted singer P B Srinivas sang a song composed by Pattammal, on the occasion.

The award was presented to Pattammal by Satguru Sri Sivananda Murthy, mentor of Andhra Music Academy along with Balamurali Krishna and other guests. Pattammal was also conferred with the 'Sangeetha Bharathi - Life time achievement award' by Nada Bharathi, Hyderabad.

In her acceptance address, Pattammal thanked the Andhra Music Academy for organising such a function and expressed her desire to sing to the end of her life.

Eswaran, husband of Pattammal, in his nineties, was also honoured in the function.

V V Srivatsa, secretary, Madras Music Academy, N V Subramaniam, secretary, Saraswathi Vaggeyyakara trust, P V S Seshiah Sastry, secretary, Andhra Music Academy and Vasantha, secretary, Sarvani Sangeetha Sabha were among those present in the function.