A concert to remember Bharat Ratna recipient, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was held in the city. The concert was organised by Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture Golpark, Kolkata in association with Sunaada Art Foundation.
The event started with a video screening of Panditji’s life and his musical journey. It was followed by a sitar recital by Partha Bose with Indranil Mallick on Tabla. The event concluded with a vocal duet of Dr. Nagarajrao Havaldar (Grand Disciple of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi) and Omkaranath Havaldar, accompanied by Kedamath Havaldar on Tabla and Kamalaksha Mukherjee on Harmonium.
Pt. Bhimsen Ji with his roaring voice left a global impact through his music . Dr Nagaraj Rao Havaldar another stalwart in Pandit jis lineage was fortunate to meet with and learn about Panditjis life and his greatest disciple over many years.
From these experiences, Dr Havaldar authored a biography of Panditji titled “Bharata Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi – The Voice of The People”. And continues to carry Pandit jis legacy in his own stirring musical renditions.
Dr. Havaldar says that his own journey exploring Panditji’s life , his struggles his focus and dedication, focus, his honesty made him realized that Panditji is not just a musical inspiration but an inspiration to all. To quote from his life: “When Bhimsen Ji was learning from his guru Pt. Sawai Gandharva, his job was to bring sufficient water for the domestic needs. In those olden days the drinking water and the water for household usage was to be brought from different wells which happened to be in opposite directions. As a young student his only request of his teacher was not that he should be relieved of his water duties but that the he should be given bugger size water pots. Young Bhimsen would say only if the pots were bigger, he would make less number of trips, bring more water, and dedicate the same time for music learning and practice.”
A great example of both Guru bhakti and sangeetha preeti. There are many such things in his life which can inspire everybody. This concert is an endeavour to throw light on his life through Dr. Havaldar who is described as ” taking hindustani classical music beyond its realm” and taking the healing power of music to several mentally challenged and differently abled people
