Renowned tabla exponent Ustad Zakir Hussain was conferred the "Alva's Virasat 2007" award at a glittering function here today on the occasion of Alva's Virasat 2007, a national cultural festival.

Speaking after receiving the award, Hussain said he was was delighted to be honoured in this manner. "It is a great honour", he said.

Last year's award winner and renowned Odissi danseuse Sonal Mansingh, who was present, said India is an imagery of culture, colours, religions and sentiments. "Virasat means heritage and it needs to be understood," she said.

--- PTI