Khan also feels that mothers of the achievers are left behind though they are the original guru and inspiration behind every talent.
The maestro appealed to the government to give recognition to classical musicians when they are in their prime instead of at a later stage.
Khan, 65, who gave his first recital of Sarod when he was just 6-years-old, said, "Filmstars, sportspersons get awards in their young age, but in the classical field the government usually waits till they attain the age of 70."
Khan also advocated giving recognition to the mothers of those who excelled in various fields.
"Why can't Sachin (Tendulkar)'s mother not be considered for Padma award?" Khan wondered.
"Mother is the first guru of the child. Why can't the homemaker mom get the recognition she deserves?" he asked.
Khan, himself, is a recipient of several awards, which started coming his way from a very young age.
He is a recipient of the UNESCO Award, Padma Vibhushan (Highest Indian civilian award), Unicef's National Ambassadorship, The Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum and Hon'ry Doctorates from the Universities of York in 1997, England, Delhi University in 1998, Rabindra Bharati University in 2007 and Kolkata and the Vishva Bharti (Deshikottam) in Shantiniketan in 2001.