UN issues stamp to honour MS Subbulakshmi

The UN on Sunday released a postage stamp to honour India's most celebrated Carnatic music artist MS Subbulakshmi, who had performed at the world body 50 years ago. The USD 1.20 value commemorative stamp, issued by the UN Postal Administration in Subbulakshmi's honour, has the iconic blue emblem of the UN alongside her picture. This year also marks her birth centenary.

The stamp was released at a special ceremony at the UN headquarters to mark India's ratification of the historic Paris climate deal. It was attended by several dignitaries who hailed the country's move to combat global warming. The ceremony concluded with a soulful rendition by carnatic music singer Sudha Raghunathan of Subbulakshmi's music as well as of Gandhi's beloved 'Ram Dhun'. Raghunathan performed songs in seven languages, including Bengali, and received a standing ovation from the audience. The first stamp was presented to Raghunathan to honour her performance at the UN.

Subbulakshmi, the first ever musician to be awarded India's highest civilian honour the Bharat Ratna, was invited by the then UN Secretary General Late U Thant to perform at the General Assembly in October 1966, becoming the first Indian to perform there. The Indian mission here had also organised a photo exhibition in August at the world body's headquarters to commemorate Subbulakshmi's birth centenary which fell on September 16.