SPIC MACAY presents Classical Music Concerts
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The iconic Abhinav Theatre in Jammu reverberated with divine melodies as internationally renowned Hindustani classical vocalists, Padmabhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra and his son Pandit Swaransh Mishra, presented a soul-stirring concert that left the audience mesmerized. The concert was organized by SPIC MACAY in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL).
Representing the fifth and sixth generations of the nearly 400-year-old Banaras Gharana, the father-son duo showcased their mastery over the intricacies of Hindustani classical music. They were accompanied by Harnam Singh on Tabla, Dr. Harvinder Singh on Harmonium, and Dr. Jasmeet Kour on Tanpura.
The concert opened with a majestic presentation of the rare raga Salag Varali Todi, typically sung during the second prahar of the day – aligning with the concert’s schedule. The raga, characterized by komal Rishabh, Gandhar, and Nishad, while Madhyam remains forbidden, was explored through the bandish “Tumhi ek aadhaar”. The seamless vocal transitions between the two artistes created an ethereal experience that held the audience spellbound in reverent silence.
This was followed by a poignant rendition of “Hey Janani Main Na Jiyun Ram Bin” in raga Gowri Manjari, a heart-wrenching composition attributed to Tulsidas that captures Bharata’s grief and rage towards his mother Kaikeyi upon learning of Rama’s exile. Composed by the late Pt. Rajan Mishra, elder brother of Pt. Sajan Mishra, the performance evoked deep emotions, with long-taans and high notes that stirred the soul.
Pandit Swaransh Mishra showcased his youthful flair through a self-composed rap-like swarajathi, blending classical techniques with modern rhythm, skillfully traversing the saptaswaras. He further stunned the audience with another a capella composition, “Aghori Chalisa,” entirely devoid of instrumental support, demonstrating his literary brilliance and vocal dexterity.
The duo also rendered “Sadho, Rachna Ram Banai”, a devotional composition attributed to Guru Teg Bahadur, often sung at the revered Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. As a heartfelt tribute on the eve of Durga Ashtami, the concert concluded with the bhajan “Bhavani Dayani” in raga Bhairavi, a prayerful homage to the Divine Mother.
Speaking on the occasion, Pt. Sajan Mishra emphasized the timeless relevance of classical music, stating that it permeates creation itself. He fondly recalled his last performance at Abhinav Theatre in 1995 and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return. He praised the efforts of SPIC MACAY and JKAACL for promoting classical music in the region and encouraged continued support to sustain such rich traditions. The audience included music connoisseurs, artists, professors, students, and prominent citizens from across Jammu. Sonali Arun Gupta, Additional Secretary, JKAACL, felicitated the artistes, while young student Aanandita Dutta conducted the proceedings with poise. The event was presided over by Suresh Kumar Sharma, retired judge, receiver of the Panjavaktar Mahadev Temple, and Chief Coordinator, SPIC MACAY (Jammu Chapter).
The concert not only celebrated the rich legacy of the Banaras Gharana but also reaffirmed the universality and transcendental power of Hindustani classical music.