On the persuasion of Punjab Chief MinisterParkash Singh Badal, an internationally acclaimed Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan today accepted the state government’s offer to set up a state-of-the-art Indian classical music academy in Punjab to revive the glory of ancient classical school of music, which had roots of its origin in Punjab- the land of five rivers.Giving this information, Chief Minister’s Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains said that the Academy could come up either at Mohali or Mullanpur (New Chandigarh).The Chief Minister’s hour long meeting with one of the tallest international icons from the world of arts coincided with the release by Mr. Badal of an album of shabads from Gurbani set to the spiritual uplifting music and drawing liberally on the rich cultural, religious and musical heritage of Punjab.
On the release of Gurbani Album of Shabads recited by eminent raagi Harbhajan Singh Namdhari of UK fame and the music composed by Padam Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the Chief Minister felicitated both of them for this unique initiative and hoped this collection of Shabads would prove to be a ‘food for soul’ to sooth the tormented minds of millions of people in this materialistic world. Besides, the soothing effect of Gurbani through this album would also help the people to tread on the path of divinity. The Album contains six divine Shabads set to sublime music based on Indian Classical lore.
stad Amjad Ali Khan made extremely significant and revealing observations about the unparalleled contribution of Punjab to the art, literature and musical richness of the Indian culture and civilization “Punjab is the cradle of India’s civilization. It was here that the Vedas were composed. Mahabharta, the Ramayana and the message of the divine Gita was delivered to mankind. We had several outstanding music Gharanas from Punjab and also the Harbhallab Sangeet Sammelan has been organized regularly on an international scale. But it needs to be given a new lease of life now.
Moved by the observations of Amjad Ali Khan on the enormous contribution of Punjab to India’s rich cultural, literary and musical heritage and legacy for the promotion of art and culture in the country especially in the field of classical music, the Chief Minister urged him to take the lead in a massive initiative to restore the glory of the state in the world of arts. Mr. Badal and the internationally acclaimed Ustad then spoke about the need to work together to establish this music academy to impart world class training to the music aspirants on the line of traditional “Guru Shishya Parampara” (teacher pupil tradition).The Chief Minister assured Ustad Amjad Ali Khan of all necessary help and support and asked him to submit a detailed project report in this regard shortly so that the said project could be taken forward. Mr. Badal offered suitable land for setting up this academy either at Mohali or New Chandigarh (Mullanpur).
Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for this benevolent gesture, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said that he was passionate to start this music academy in Punjab- the soil of Gurus, saints, seers and prophets, which would offer a healthy platform to the music lovers. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said that with this offer by the Chief Minister, his one of the most cherished desires to promote the Indian classical music in every nook and corner of the country has been satiated. Sarod icon Ustad Khan further said that he was keen to set up this academy in Punjab in order to pay glowing tributes to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who preached the message of universal brotherhood, love and oneness of God to the mankind through his hymns in the praise of Almighty. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan also said that the music composed by him for this Gurbani Album was not only a tribute to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji but also to Bhai Bala Ji and Bhai Mardana Ji, who composed music for Guruji’s Shabads on ‘Rabab’ (a stringed musical instrument) which was developed by his ancestors through ages into the present ‘Sarod’ (another stringed musical instrument).
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Mr. K.J.S Cheema and Mr. S.K. Raju, President Namdhari Darbar Surinder Singh Namdhari besides Janaab Amaan Ali Khan, the son of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and the family members of Raagi Harbhajan Singh.