First Indian musician to receive the 'Roman Magsaysay Award' is :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question "First Indian musician to receive the 'Roman Magsaysay Award' is" is Option 2: M. S. Subbulakshmi. Here is a detailed explanation supporting this answer:

1. **Justification for Option 2 (M. S. Subbulakshmi):**
   - M. S. Subbulakshmi was a renowned Carnatic vocalist from India, celebrated for her exceptional contributions to Indian classical music. She was the first Indian musician to be honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974. This prestigious award, often considered Asia's Nobel Prize, recognized her outstanding artistry and her role in promoting Indian music globally. Her performances were not only appreciated for their technical excellence but also for their spiritual depth, which resonated with audiences worldwide.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Pt. Ravi Shankar):**
     - Pt. Ravi Shankar was a legendary sitar virtuoso and composer who played a significant role in popularizing Indian classical music in the West. However, he did not receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award. His contributions were recognized through other prestigious awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

- **Option 3 (Bismillah Khan):**
     - Ustad Bismillah Khan was a celebrated shehnai maestro known for his profound impact on Indian classical music. While he received numerous accolades, including the Bharat Ratna, he was not a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

- **Option 4 (Pt. Bhimsen Joshi):**
     - Pt. Bhimsen Joshi was a legendary Hindustani classical vocalist, renowned for his powerful and emotive performances. Despite his significant contributions to Indian music, he did not receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Like others, he was honored with the Bharat Ratna for his contributions to the arts.

In conclusion, M. S. Subbulakshmi's receipt of the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974 marks her as the first Indian musician to achieve this honor, making Option 2 the correct answer.