Musical start to LKA 60th Anniversary
Inaugurated on 5th August 1954 by Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad (Ministry of education, Govt. of India), the journey of Lalit Kala Akademi has been very contributive in promoting arts and culture in the country. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the inaugural event started with a musical treat to the audience by renowned music composer and Santoor maestro, Abhay Rustam Sopori.
Abhay Rustam Sopori is one of the most prominent musicians of the present generation. He is the youngest Santoor maestro, youngest classical musician to compose and conduct orchestras and folk & Sufi ensembles. He has also been the youngest recipient of various prestigious awards, for example: Sangeet Natak Akademi’s first Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, J&K State Award (the highest civilian Award of the state of J&K), Bharat Shiromani Award etc. The event was inaugurated by Honorable Minister for Culture, Government of India Shripad Naik and was attended by Ravindra Singh (Secretary Ministry of culture, Govt. India), eminent artist Krishen Khanna and the chairman of the academy, K.K.Chakravarty.
Lalit Kala Akademi’s sole aim is to provide peace to the soul who struggles to find a way out from the hustle-bustle of this busy life. “I am glad to know that Lalit Kala Akademi has completed its 60 years and we all have come here to celebrate it. I congratulate every artist and the administration who has been associated with this institution for last 60 years of it’s journey and would continue with their efforts. I believe with time everything should change, our institution has also changed itself in accordance to the time. So, even art has to change, the idea has to change and it has to be less of cynicism and more about going back to the idea which led to the existence of institution such as this. If we look back at our journey, we should be proud that they have given voice and existence to the people who thought they could never perform their art or have studios like this. We all need to introspect and have a vision for our future. So, I would congratulate everyone who has made this institution a great success.” said Ravindra Singh.
It’s said that an artist is a person who can ensemble the whole universe within themselves. Veteran artist Krishan Khanna spoke on the occasion that it’s his honor to be part of such an institution for the last 50 years, “I would just like to say one thing that the unity of this country is surreal, no matter where you are, in the field of art, you don’t feel lost. Everyone here has great empathy and sympathy towards art and that has to be nurtured. Culture is very important. Nobody remembers who did what, but culture remains and is been talked about all the time. So, cultural activities should be given importance.”
After the respective speeches by the panelists, Abhay Rustam Sopori started his musical concert which commenced with a presentation with Ustad Akram Khan on Tabla. He began the concert with ‘Raga-Rageshree’ followed by the composition called ‘Devotional Bliss’ and last being the show stealer ‘Irfan– the ecstasy’ which is a journey of India through the music ensemble by him and notes of Santoor with tabla, pakhawaj, mridangam, gattam, khol, nagada and various other musical instruments.
All in all it was quite a musical start to the month long festival at Lalit Kala academy.
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