New Delhi: Celebrating the 72nd Republic Day, Tabla Wizard Pandit Chaturlal Memorial Society organized their annual show of Amar Jyoti. This year marked the 22nd edition of Amar Jyoti that was organized in remembrance of the unknown soldiers on 25th January 2021 on its social media handle.
With the successful editions of Amar Jyoti, this year the event saw an exciting line-up of artists like renowned folk singers Padma Shri Malini Awasthi and Roshan Khan (Mangniyar), Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra on Tabla, Rafik Khan Merasi a masterful Kamaicha player, Latif Khan on Dholak, Zaheer Khan on Khartal and vocalist Sawai Khan. The evening’s highlight was the never seen before Jugalbandi of Awadh and Rajasthan folk music. Both Malini Awasthi, an exponent of Benaras Gharana and Roshan Khan from Manganiyar community from Rajasthan contributed the charm of both the genres. The audience experienced a divine bliss when the Jugalbandi presented the evergreen ‘Padharo Mhare Desh’.
The concept of the show was to recognise the valour and courage of our brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives battling for our Nation. This annual event was organized with renowned artists and esteemed chiefs and officers from the defence forces coming together to tribute to the brave hearts. This year in the wake of pandemic and to contain the spread of COVID 19 virus, the Amar Jyoti show went virtual.
Speaking about her experience and being a part of 22nd Amar Jyoti concert, folk singer Padma Shri Malini Awasthi said, “I feel very privileged and honoured that Pandit ChaturLal Memorial Society has made me a part of Amar Jyoti show this year. I think what we have presented is an astounding tribute to our Shreshth Bharat. It is amazing to know how two different ethnic folk traditions came together and flow together with a musical note. This should be done more often. It is very challenging and at the same time very interesting as well. It is a learning experience to know the other traditions. The blend of Awadh and Rajasthan folk music was so smooth. Through Roshan Khan’s singing, one can experience the beauty of Rajasthan. Even when I was singing, I tried to bring in a part of Mathura, Brij and Awadh, Lucknow and so many Bandish of classical and semi-classical music. I thank the ChaturLal family for coming up with this production.” She further added, “Last year was a testing time for all the artists as the events were cancelled. Today even though we don’t have a live audience still these virtual events re-energies us. ChaturLal family is doing great to reach out to all the artists and come up with productions in such challenging times. I pray for my country and salute all the warriors who fight for our country. May we all come together to make India – Vishv Guru”
On organizing the concert, Ms Shruti Chatur Lal Sharma, granddaughter of the Tabla legend and the Artistic Director at Pandit Chaturlal Festival said, “Every year we organise this event around Independence Day. Looking at the year passed by and the challenges we all faced, we decided to re-schedule our annual concert Amar Jyoti around Republic Day. With the divine Jugalbandi of Awadh and Rajasthan by Padma Shri Malini Ji and Roshan Khan Ji, we aim to have more such amalgamation of folk music. I would also extend heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors and associates.”
The event was organized in association with ICCR and Indian Raga. ONGC was the main sponsor on board and was co-sponsored by GAIL, Oil India Limited, PFC, NTPC and Powergrid.
