UN to issue stamp to honour M S Subbulakshmi, celebrate India’s Independence Day

The United Nations will release a commemorative stamp in honour of legendary Carnatic singer MS Subbulakshmi on the 50th year of her performance at the world body in October 1966 and her birth centenary, which falls on 16 September 2016.

The UN Postal Administration will issue the stamp to mark Subbulakshmi's birth centenary, India's Permanent Mission to the UN said in a press statement.

The centenary celebrations, being organised by India's permanent mission at the UN alongside the country's 70th Independence Day celebrations, will also include a performance by Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman on 15 August and a photo exhibition on Subbulakshmi from 15 to 19 August.

Rahman will enthral UN diplomats and international dignitaries at a special concert in the UN General Assembly hall on 15 August.

Rahman will be the second Indian artist after Subbulakshmi to perform at the iconic UN hall, which is a platform for global leaders to address the world.

Subbulakshmi 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 photo exhibition will depict various facets and moments of M S Subbulakshmi's life and times providing a rare insight to the music legend's achievements.

Subbulashmi is the first ever musician to be awarded the the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour .

Minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar will attend the events at the UN as well as those being organised by the Indian Consulate in New York City.