Rotary at the Darbar

Rhythm of India, a fundraiser organised by the Urban Heritage Committee of Rotary Club of Bombay, mesmerised and educated the audience on Friday, August 12th, 2022, with a sitar performance by Pandit Chandrasekhar Phanse and his students from all over the world. This was to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Held at the grand iconic Durbar Hall of Asiatic Society, the full house resonated with the sounds of patriotism and love for India.

A sensorial visual and auditory experience, the seating was unique, showcasing the colors of our National Flag in three rows and blue in the center.

Panditji, with a Master’s degree in sitar, pioneered the concept of ‘Singing Sitar,’ one of the most difficult forms of playing this instrument. His belief is “Play the music, not the instrument,” so, unfazed and undeterred by the pandemic or rains, he relentlessly pursued his commitment to teaching and mentoring his students at multi-geographic locations. The outcome was a never before experience through a sequence of ragas and songs divided into three segments, representing 25 years of swatantra Bharat. An interesting gem was the presence of two sets of three and two-generation families. The event opened with Vande Mataram, our National Song, in Raga Desh, which evoked great emotion in the audience as it symbolised the nationalistic fervor prevalent amongst our freedom fighters during our freedom struggle. Raga Tilak Shyam, created by Bharat Ratna awardee late Pandit Ravi Shankar, a blend of two ragas.

The next segment Sare Jahan Se Accha, was a patriotic song for children. Pt. Ravi Shankar was asked to compose the music as the existing tune was too slow and sad. To give it an inspiring impact, it was set to a stronger tune which is the popular tune of this song. Subsequently, it was recorded by the late Lata Mangeshkar to a different tune. Raga Malkauns is a serious and meditative raga similar to the Carnatic raga Hindola. Raga Durga Bhakti represented the romanticism that existed during this period when Art, Literature, and Music flourished in India.

The last segment (1999 onwards), was a medley of patriotic songs by Panditji on his singing sitar. It was very enjoyable with Aye Watan mere Watan aabaad rahe tu, Jayostute Jayostute a popular Marathi inspirational song, Mere Desh ki dharti, Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka. Followed by Chodo kal ki batein to herald the final piece of the medley the ever-popular Maa Tujhe Salaam by A. R. Rahman. Raga Kirwani, a Carnatic raga now incorporated into Hindustani music, is extremely popular because of the melodious nature of the raga, it represents the unity of people from across India.

The show concluded with the National Anthem on the sitar accompanied by the audience. An outstanding evening appreciated by all, thanks to the commitment, dedication, and camaraderie of the performers under the leadership of Panditji. The orchestra was the coming together of teamwork through synchronisation and harmony.