Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 23

On the occasion of the approaching 55th Republic Day of India, Embassy of India presented musical maestro Pandit Jasraj. Sponsored by Telecommunications Consultants India Limited and supported by Hotel Yak and Yeti, the show held on January 23 was absolutely breathtaking.

“It has been a tradition of the Embassy of India, on every occasion of Republic Day, we try and invite distinguished artists and performers from India. This year we are very proud to present to our brothers and sisters of Nepal Pandit Jasraj,” stated Shyam Saran, the Indian ambassador to Nepal welcoming the artistes.

Pandit Jasraj belongs to a family that has had four musical geniuses. Having received his initial musical training from his father Sangeet Ratna Motiramji and his elder brother and guru Sangeet Maha Mahapadhdhyaya Pandit Maniramji, Pandit Jasraj belongs to the Mewati Gharana. The concert was a stunning example of music of this genre.

With accompanying artistes Ratan Mohan Sharma for vocal support, Mukund Petkar on harmonium and Kedar Pandit on tabla, Pandit Jasraj had the audience’s total attention. And the Regal Ballroom at the Yak and Yeti, where the show was being held, was overcrowded. People were sitting on the floor and standing in the doorways just to see the genius sing. To hear Pandit Jasraj sing is a divine experience, to see him sing intensifies it. “I feel that God is in each of you,” said the artiste before starting the show, “And I salute the God in you.” Indeed, it seemed like he sang of the purest feelings, as if his heart and soul lived in his voice.

A most sublime sound that ran through tremendous scale variations with ease in perfect rhythm. Each note modulated to the finest degree, touching them but for a fraction of second or holding onto them with amazing sustainability. The energy that permeated the hall was exhilarating, every soulful song punctuated by much applause.

Pandit Jasraj sang an encore and was asked for more. An evening that was extremely uplifting, it will certainly remain with those who were present. Among the audience were many of Nepal’s foremost musicians and one of them was Gayak Phatteman Rajbhandari. “Amazing,” said our own musical maestro, shaking his head, his face alight as he silently walked with a smile. “You cannot tell of his voice, it is absolutely amazing.”

Panditji was born in 1930 in Hissar Haryana. He has been felicitated and honoured with many awards including the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhusan and Padma Shri bestowed by the president of India. Scholarships throughout the world have been named after him. Endowed with the titled of Sangeet Martand, Pandit Jasraj is a living legend.