New Delhi: The capital witnessed a soulful celebration of Indian classical music on Wednesday evening as Padma Shri awardee and eminent Hindustani classical vocalist Dr. Soma Ghosh organized the 18th annual edition of ‘Yaad-e-Bismillah’, a concert held in memory of shehnai maestro and Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan.
The event took place at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Janpath, New Delhi, drawing musicians, connoisseurs, and admirers of Indian classical heritage.
The concert, held on August 20 at 6:30 PM, continued its legacy of honoring the timeless contribution of Ustad Bismillah Khan, who remains an enduring symbol of India’s musical traditions.
Silver Shehnai Award Presented
One of the key highlights of the evening was the conferring of the Ustad Bismillah Khan ‘Silver Shehnai’ Award, an honor instituted to recognize stalwarts in the field of classical music.
The prestigious recognition this year was presented to the legendary tabla virtuoso Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, marking him as the sixth recipient of the award.
Over the years, this award has been bestowed upon some of the greatest icons of Indian music, including:
- Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
- Padma Vibhushan Pt. Kishan Maharaj
- Padma Vibhushan Smt. Prabha Atre
- Padma Vibhushan Pt. Jasraj
- Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (Sarod maestro)
By joining this distinguished list, Pt. Talwalkar’s contribution to the world of rhythm and tabla artistry was celebrated with resounding applause from the audience.
Roots of the Tribute Concert
The tradition of ‘Yaad-e-Bismillah’ traces back to a poignant moment following the demise of Ustad Bismillah Khan. Dr. Ghosh shared that the initiative was born after a heartfelt phone call from the late President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who urged her to keep the memory and music of the shehnai maestro alive for future generations.
Since then, the concert has grown into an annual celebration, held both in India and across international platforms, bringing together artists and audiences in tribute to one of India’s most celebrated musicians.
A Dream for the Future: Sangeet Gram
Alongside the musical tribute, Dr. Soma Ghosh also announced her dream project — “Sangeet Gram”. She revealed that the Government of Maharashtra had recently allotted land for the initiative, which aims to create a dedicated Gurukul for Indian classical music and dance.
Envisioned as a cultural village, Sangeet Gram seeks to:
- Revive endangered musical instruments and rare styles of performance.
- Provide structured training for aspiring musicians and dancers.
- Serve as a hub for cultural preservation, research, and performance.
Speaking about her vision, Dr. Ghosh emphasized the inseparable bond between an artist and their instrument: “If the artist survives, his instrument will survive the test of time.” Through Sangeet Gram, she aspires to create an environment where both artists and their art forms are nurtured and sustained for posterity.
Cultural Resonance
The evening’s performances and the announcement of Sangeet Gram together underscored the need to preserve and promote India’s classical traditions amid changing times.
The event not only paid homage to Ustad Bismillah Khan’s musical genius but also spotlighted the importance of intergenerational cultural transmission.
With Pt. Suresh Talwalkar receiving the Silver Shehnai award and the vision of Sangeet Gram unfolding, this year’s ‘Yaad-e-Bismillah’ concert became more than a tribute — it emerged as a forward-looking cultural milestone.
As applause filled the auditorium at IGNCA, it was clear that the spirit of Ustad Bismillah Khan, whose shehnai once echoed across the ghats of Varanasi and global concert halls alike, continues to inspire India’s cultural journey.
