MUMBAI: Gurukul Pratishthan’s 6th Bansuri Utsav commenced successfully on 19th January 2013 at Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha, in Thane. On this on this occasion, flute maestro Padmashri Dr. N Ramani received the first ‘Padmavibhushan Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia Puraskar’ at the hands of Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia comprising a certificate, memento and prize money of Rs 25,000.
The melody of the Flute Symphony, led by Vivek Sonar, charmed the audience from the word go. He was also accompanied by artists on the keyboard, saxophone, trumpet, drums, tabla, pakhawaj & guitar. Another attraction of the first day was the Master Stroke performance by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Kumar Bose (tabla) and Pandit Bhawani Shankar on the pakhawaj. One of its kind performance was applauded by the music lovers present at the Utsav.
Padmavibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia mentioned that “Today, I feel honoured and overwhelmed as my ‘shishya’ Vivek has instituted the award in my honor. His institute ‘Gurukul Pratishthan’ is focused towards increasing the popularity of my beloved flute. It is a matter of great pride for me to present the first award to PadmaShri Dr. N Ramani who has dedicated his entire life to classical music.”
Dr. N Ramani expressed, “It is a matter of great honour for me to receive this award at the hands of Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, who is a dear friend and world renowned flute exponent. Indian classical music has the power and is attracting people from the world over, this has to be to be encouraged more and more; especially among the youth. I thank Vivek’s Gurukul Pratishthan for presenting me with this award. Wishing him all the best for the upcoming Bansuri Utsav and much success. Flute symphony is an important step in the right direction to take the flute to the masses.”
Shri Vivek Sonar said, “Bansuri Utsav was born with an aim to celebrate the rich heritage of Indian classical music and to bring the flute to the centre stage. The melody of the flute mesmerizes the listeners. In a first of its kind effort to honour the contribution of senior artists, we have instituted the ‘Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Puraskar’ starting this year. This is the first award solely dedicated to my guru and the instrumentalist. The award is been given to Padmashri Dr. N. Ramani, who is a highly acclaimed Carnatic flautist for his outstanding contribution to the field of music since more than 7 decades.”