Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Expansion
Underlining the continuous respect for the great tradition of words and the best creation, this time the highest decoration of Shabd Samman ‘Akashdeep’ in Hindi has been given to Vinod Kumar Shukla and in Malayalam to M.T. Being given to Vasudevan Nair. Also, the best work award will be given to Kumar Ambuj (poetry), Manoj Roopra (story), Dalpat Singh Rajpurohit (non-fiction), Malini Gautam (Bhashabandhu) and Chinmayi Tripathi for the best first work. This investiture ceremony is being held on March 13, 2024 in Delhi under the chief hospitality of eminent flute player Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: The journey of words and tunes seems beautiful.
When the words that resonate within us come out and become tunes, I always find this journey beautiful. I enjoy this journey again and again. It is said that one who has a relationship with tune, has a relationship with the whole world. Joining Sur means joining literature, painting, sculpture, theatre. For me, Sur is a never ending journey. I find a new tune in new words. I can say with confidence that when a relationship is formed through literature composed of beautiful words and music adorned with tunes, its impact is visible for a long time. I see a ray of light in Amar Ujala’s attempt to create a relationship between words and tune.
If I talk about the journey of words in my life, after completing my studies, I got a job as a stenographer in Allahabad (Prayagraj). In those days, Premchand and Prasad used to read everyone a lot. He used to buy books as much as he could financially. Otherwise there were libraries, we used to go there and study. I always had an affinity for literature. Later, when I and the famous santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma ji gave music in films as Shiv-Hari, we came in contact with many poets. Poets like Shahryar, Nida Fazli, Javed Akhtar were lyricists of films. These poets are also like diamonds among gems. But now the trend of such poetry and songs in films seems to be decreasing. Foreign countries are copied and songs are based on tunes. Now light songs are coming. Today the tendency of people to read is decreasing. I remember very well that earlier magazines like ‘Dharmyug’, ‘Saptahik Hindustan’ were visible in every house. Allahabad was a stronghold of litterateurs. Dharamveer was Bharti ji, we were friends. Whenever I felt like it, I would go to their house, even in Mumbai. At that time magazines were read, we used to listen to radio while shaving.
Today there is a dearth of classical music programs everywhere. Are there any politicians today who can join my Tanpura? I am not talking about playing the flute. If you can go to yoga then why not learn music? If anyone wants to learn, I can send my students. Does anyone care about artists today? Is anyone concerned with singing and playing anymore? I remember, earlier concerts used to go on all night long. Even today, wherever such programs take place, I give them a lot of love and blessings. I do not consider myself a great artist, rather I am still a student. I have always been saying that in cities and places where classical music programs are not held or are less, the music lovers and connoisseurs are being deprived of classical music. This crime is of those who have the responsibility of organizing such programs, because if there is music then everything is there, if there is no music then everything will end. The rhythm of life will end. But in this matter, I would like to thank the Amar Ujala family once again that continuous initiatives are being taken to spread the relationship between literature and music to the people. Welcome to this tradition of shedding light on words and tunes.
Rakesh Chaurasia: Words for raga are lessons!
As far as the relationship between literature and music is concerned, I used to read children’s books a lot in my childhood. As I grew up, I started reading more music books. Words for ragas give me strength. I always think that when we travel so much, good books should be with us. In honor of the words of Amar Ujala, I am playing flute with Babu ji (Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia). Babu ji’s blessings are the biggest reward for me. Whatever I am, I am because of him. When I was a child, Babu ji had become a big star in the music world. He was very busy.
I used to play small flute so I could not even sit in his class. He had to sit separately for me. Whenever he could spare some time, he used to teach me. My real learning took place on the stage with him. Earlier he used to play tanpura. As my fingers grew and I started playing the flute, I could learn while accompanying him on stage. Therefore, whenever an opportunity comes to play with Babuji, that program is a lesson for me. I myself went to receive the Grammy Award. When my name was announced, I felt that I am taking something from here to my country India through music. This grammy is for Babu ji only, because of his blessings.
