Bangalore: In recognition of his services to the country, former president A P J Abdul Kalam has been selected by Karnataka for this year’s (2006-07) ‘Basava’ award in recognition of services to the country.

H S Mahadeva Prasad, Minister for Kannada and Culture narrated that the award consisting Rs 10 lakh, a memento and a citation will be presented to Dr. Kalam at a function to be held at the Jnana Jyothi auditorium on September 28.

Mr. Mahadeva said that he called on Dr. Kalam recently with a letter of communication on his being selected for the prominent award, and he had accepted it.

The Karnataka administration had decided to present the annual award at the national level hereafter to those who had worked for philosophy advancement of the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara, he added.