A R Rahman Was Honoured With The Crystal Award

A day after he won two Academy award nominations, Indian musician A R Rahman was honoured with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum.

Rahman received the award at the opening ceremony of the Forum`s annual meet here, attended by 2500 global leaders from business, government, art, culture and religion.

Rahman, 44, clad in an embroidered black kurta, received the award which is given annually by the WEF to outstanding artistes who use their talent for social and charitable work.

While the WEF recognised Rahman for his music in `Slumdog Millionaire` and `Bombay Dreams`, it took note of his work in the field of child welfare.

Accepting the award, the `Mozart of Madras`, who has won several national and international awards, including the two Grammys and two Oscars, said that he gets "motivation" from the social work.

Jose Carreras, an opera artist from Barcelona, was also given the Crystal Award for his work for the patients of leukemia.

The award function was attended by several heads of governments, including Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, top CEOs, religious leaders and academicians.

A strong 130-member delegation from India is attending the five-day annual WEF meet.