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Saraswathi Vandana By Subrahmanya Bharati
All India Radio has played a stellar role in nurturing India’s heritage, and helping portray and preserve its diverse culture. Over the years it has consistently provided a platform for the popularization and promotion of Indian Classical Music.
Launched in the year 1954 with a glorious tradition spanning over six decades, Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan has evolved as a unique calendar event of All India Radio.
Connoisseurs appreciate it, music lovers enjoy it and the artists await it. The music concerts are organized all over the country and feature eminent artists and talented young musicians of Hindustani and Carnatic Classical,light and folk music.
Among the renowned artists who haveperformed for the country in the Sangeet Sammelans over the years are:
MS Subbulakshmi, Pt. DV Paluskar, Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Ustad Amir Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bhismillah Bismillah Khan, Pt. Pannalal Ghosh, Pt. Kumar Gandharv Gandharva, Dagar Bandhu, Dr. Mallikarjun Mansoor, Dr.Basvaraj Rajguru, Dr. Gangubai Hangal, Acharya Brahaspathi, Madhuri Mattoo, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, VG Jog, S Balachander, Veena Doraiswamy Iyengar, Dr. Shemangudi Srinivas Iyer, G.N. Balasubramanyam, DK Pattammal, ML Vasantha Kumar, Emani Shankar Shastri, Dr. Sumati Mutatkar, Voleti Venkateshwarlu, Ustad Halim Jaffar Khan, Ustad Hafiz Ahmed Khan, T.K. Govinda Rao, Dr. R.K. Srikanthan, Lalgudi Jayaraman, MS Gopalakrishnan, Palghat Mani Iyer, Prapancham Sitaram & U Srinivas.
Some among the living legends are:
Pt.Jasraj, Pt.Rajan Mishra & Pt. Sajan Mishra, Pt. Debu Chaudhuri, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Singh Bandhu, Pt. Bhajan Sopori, TV Sankaranarayanan, TN Seshagopalan, Dr.TN Krishnan, Dr.N Rajam, N Ravi Kiran, Gundecha Bandhu, Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Kadri Gopalnath and others, who have left an indelible imprint on the rich music tradition of India.
In the 64th year, the Sammelan Concerts were held at 24 venues across the country on 07th October, 2017 featuring 65 main artists with their accompanists before an invited audience.
Music has always held a special place in the hearts of the people of India. With a rich and diverse musical heritage, the country has been a cradle of countless musical traditions, from classical ragas to folk tunes that have been passed down through generations. One of the significant platforms that have helped preserve and promote this musical heritage is the Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan, a beloved radio music festival that has been enchanting listeners for decades.
The Birth of Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan
The All India Radio (AIR), also known as Akashvani, has been a cornerstone of India’s cultural and informational landscape since its inception. Established in 1930, AIR has played a vital role in connecting the diverse regions and cultures of India through the airwaves. It has been a source of education, entertainment, and information for millions of people across the nation.
In the early 1950s, recognizing the potential of radio as a medium for preserving and disseminating India’s rich musical heritage, AIR introduced the Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan. The primary objective was to provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents and to bring the best of Indian classical music to a wider audience.
A Showcase of Musical Excellence
The Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan has consistently featured performances by some of the most illustrious and revered classical musicians in the country. Over the years, the festival has become synonymous with the best in classical music. It provides a stage for musicians from various gharanas (musical traditions) to display their mastery of the art.
The festival typically spans several days, featuring vocal and instrumental performances across a wide range of classical forms, including Hindustani and Carnatic music. Renowned artists and promising young talents come together to share their artistry and create a musical experience that is nothing short of enchanting.
Preserving Tradition in the Digital Age
In a rapidly changing world where digital platforms and streaming services have become the norm for accessing music, the Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan continues to maintain its relevance. It serves as a reminder of the value of preserving traditional art forms and the importance of promoting cultural heritage.
The festival’s significance extends beyond the music itself. It is a platform for nurturing and passing on the knowledge and skills associated with classical music. This not only ensures the continuity of the art form but also empowers the next generation of musicians to carry forward the torch.
A Cultural Extravaganza
The Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan is not limited to classical music alone. It also embraces the rich tapestry of India’s cultural diversity. Various regional styles, folk traditions, and tribal music are also showcased, offering a kaleidoscope of musical experiences that represent the diverse traditions of the country.
This cultural extravaganza celebrates not only the timeless classical compositions but also the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of Indian music. It is a testament to the adaptability and openness of the art form, making it relevant to contemporary audiences.
Connecting the Nation through Music
One of the festival’s most remarkable features is its ability to transcend geographical and linguistic barriers. The broadcasts of Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan reach every nook and corner of India, connecting people from diverse backgrounds through the universal language of music.
The festival provides a unique opportunity for people from different regions to appreciate and understand the musical traditions of other parts of the country. It fosters a sense of unity and pride in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India.
A Timeless Tradition
The Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan is a testament to the enduring appeal of classical music and the timeless traditions that make India’s cultural landscape so rich and varied. It is an annual celebration that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, offering an opportunity to experience the beauty of Indian classical music.
As India continues to march forward in the 21st century, the Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, nurturing young talents, and promoting unity through the universal language of music. This beloved radio music festival remains an indispensable part of India’s cultural fabric, keeping the melodious tradition alive and thriving for generations to come.
Learn more by clicking here on Prasar Bharati’s Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan
