A musical tribute to unknown soldiers

To commemorate the 26th year of the Amar Jyoti concert, the Pandit Chatur Lal Memorial Society recently hosted a musical evening in the capital as a tribute to the unknown soldiers. The first act of the annual concert began with Grammy winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt taking centre stage, alongside tantri maestro Pandit Salil Bhatt and tabla player Pranshu Chaturlal. Their rendition of the Vishwaranjini raag, an innovation by Pandit Bhatt, left the audience spellbound. The trio continued to mesmerise with the evocative Jog Jazz, an excerpt from Pandit Bhatt’s Grammy-winning album Meeting By The River.

“I often think about the future of Indian classical music, and when I see such an audience and such an organisation, I tell you, I will have a sound sleep tonight,” said Pandit Bhatt.

The second performance of the evening was by the virtuoso flautist Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia. He was accompanied by Ustad Rashid Mustafa Thirakwa on tabla and Debopriya Ranadive and Vaishnavi Joshi on flutes. The synergy between the musicians was magical.

After the performances, the audience gave a standing ovation to the musicians. “The event brought timeless compositions to life, resonating with the hearts of the young and old,” said Nidhi, an attendee. "The concert is not only a homage to unsung heroes but also to the enduring power of music to unite and heal," said Pragya, an attendee.

- Jyotika Singh