Well-known veena player Suma Sudheendra, Carnatic vocalist M S Sheela and Hindustani vocalist Lalith J Rao have been selected for the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi awards.

The three celebrated personalities from Karnataka were among the 42 awardees announced by the Akademi for the year 2017.

Suma Sudheendra is the first woman veena player from Karnataka to receive this award.

Among the awardees were Umakant Gundecha and Ramakant Gundecha, well known Hindustani vocalists, otherwise known as Gundecha brothers.

Bengaluru-based Suma Sudheendra said in a Facebook post: “I am happy to share that I am the recipient of the prestigious award. Today marks a big milestone in my musical journey and am grateful for this recognition.

Delighted to be the first woman Vee

na player from Karnataka to receive this award. Sharing this with all of you who have supported and been with me through this enriching journey”.

The awards will be conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind in a special investiture ceremony.