SRINAGAR, AUGUST 25: The classical music festival, organised by the Sopori Academy of Music & Performing Arts (SaMaPa) in collaboration with ‘Benu Heritage’, concluded at the Pandit Bhajan Sopori Auditorium here today.
The programme celebrated the heritage of Indian classical music with performances by acclaimed artists and carried a strong message of cultural revival from Kashmir.
Speaking after his performance, Santoor maestro Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori said, “Our aim is to bring classical music closer to the younger generation. We also wish to facilitate interaction of music students with renowned musicians. Through this initiative, we want to spread a message of inviting people to visit Kashmir after the unfortunate Pahalgam terror incident.”
Renowned Kashmiri artists Munir Ahmad Mir, Waheed Jeelani, and Mohammad Shafi Malik enthralled the audience with their soulful renditions.
Dr. Padmaja Chakraborty, accompanied by Sonali Roy Chowdhary, presented Gujari Todi raag, a Kabir doha, and a Kajri. “Kajri is sung in the rainy season, and that is why I wanted to present it before you,” she said.
Dr. Chakraborty further added, “Our aim is to popularise classical music among the youth.”
SaMaPa’s earlier performance of the series was held at Delhi Public School, Srinagar, on August 23.