Chandigarh : Closing day of 54th All India Bhaskar Rao sammelan featuring renowned violinist Dr. Santosh Nahar and trio of female tabla players like Rimpa Shiva, Sangeeta Agnihotri and Sunaina Ghosh enthralled the audience with captivating performances at the Tagore Theatre here today. On this occasion, Vikas Sabharwal, PPS, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Crime Vigilance Cell, Punjab Police, was the chief guest and Dr. Shobha Kausar along with Secretary Shri Sajal Koser honored the chief guest wth bouquet , uttiya and memento. Distinguished audience like Delhi based art critic Ravindra Mishra, Prof. Harvinder Singh, Pandit Sushil Jain, S.D. Sharma etc. were also present on the occasion.
Among Monday’s artists, Dr. Santosh Kumar Nahar is a rising star in Hindustani classical music, acclaimed for his mastery of the violin. Coming from a family steeped in classical traditions, he was introduced to music by his father, the renowned vocalist Prahlad Prasad Mishra, and later refined his technique under T.M. Patnaik. His playing exhibits a seamless synthesis of the melodic gayaki style and the dynamic tantrakari approach, making his performances both expressive and technically profound.
On other hand Vidushi Rimpa Siva, celebrated as the Princess of Tabla, is a distinguished tabla virtuoso who has captivated global audiences with her unparalleled skill and deep-rooted knowledge of Indian percussion. Recognized as a child prodigy, she was honored by Ustad Zakir Hussain at just nine years old. Trained under the rigorous guidance of her father and guru, Pandit Swapan Siva, she upholds the legacy of the Farrukhabad Gharana while infusing her performances with remarkable innovation and artistry
Vidushi Sangita Agnihotri, the first female tabla artist from Madhya Pradesh, is an accomplished percussionist trained under Pt. Dinkar Mujumdar, a disciple of Ustad Jahangir Khan of the Purab Gharana. A recipient of numerous honors, including the Naad Yogi Samman, Saraswati Putri Samman, and Abaan Mistri Samman, she has earned recognition for her remarkable contributions to Indian classical music.
Vidushi Sunayana Ghosh is a distinguished tabla artist who shattered stereotypes by excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field. Recognized as a prodigy by the age of six, she trained under Guru Samar Mitra and later under the legendary Pt. Shankar Ghosh of the Farukhabad Gharana. She holds a Master’s degree with a gold medal from Rabindra Bharati University and obtained the prestigious Sangeet Bhaskar diploma with first distinction from Pracheen Kala Kendra in 1998.
The programme commenced with the famous violinist Pandit Santosh Nahar, who began with Raga Kirwani, followed by the traditional Alaap, Jod, and Jhala. His performance added a beautiful touch to the programme with the Gats and exquisite compositions composed in Madhya Laya Teen Taal. The presentation of Raga Vistar, Alankarik Taane, and Gamak was well appreciated by the audience. He also presented a Jugalbandi, engaging in a swaal jawab session with the tabla, which mesmerized the audience. Famous tabla exponent Shri Raj Kumar Nahar accompanied him on the tabla.
Following this melodic performance, the trio of tabla performers took the stage. They presented unmatched tabla playing and received much applause for their presentation of Uthan, Alaap, Gat Fard, Qaide, and Rele in Teen Taal. The coordination of these three artists, coupled with the beats of the tabla in traditional compositions, was a visual and auditory delight. Experienced artist Rajendra Banerjee accompanied them on the harmonium, adding color to the event.
The special guests of the evening felicitated the artists with uttariya and mementos. In the end, Secretary Sajal Koser thanked the audience, artists, and their teams for making the event a huge success. With this success, this year’s grand festival came to a splendid conclusion, and hearty congratulations were extended to the organizers for putting together such a remarkable program.
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