Ustad's music to remain alive through academy

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the setting up of a music academy at a cost of Rs 1 crore in memory of shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan who died in Varanasi early Monday morning.

Paying tributes to the musician in the state assembly, Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav said Khan excelled in playing a very difficult instrument and made it known the world over. He said the state government will also institute an award of Rs 5 lakh.

Leader of the Opposition Lalji Tandon termed Khan as 'India's cultural ambassador' while Congress Legislature Party leader Pramod Tewari said Khan symbolised the country's 'cultural unity and secularism.'