 But he declined another invitation that followed, to serve as an asthana vidwan of the Mysore Royal Court, since he felt he would not be able to stay in Mysore for the entire duration of Navaratri since he was conducting an annual Navaratri music festival in his own village (Chembai).Far from being offended, the Maharaja appreciated his sense of priorities, and rewarded him for his sincerity.His popular recognition found further expression in 1940 when his old friend T.D.