- The Padma Vibhushan awardee was accompanied by Ashish Ragwani on Tabla, and Dipal Mehta, Vaishnavi, and Kiran on the flute
- From March 27 – 30, 2025, Virasat 2025 will host a series of immersive workshops across diverse art forms
NE ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, MAR 27
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) hosted the legendary flautist, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia on Tuesday, at the Jasubhai Memorial Auditorium of the institute. The Padma Vibhushan awardee was accompanied by Ashish Ragwani on Tabla, and Dipal Mehta, Vaishnavi, and Kiran on the flute.
IIT Gandhinagar Director Dr Rajat Moona honours legendary flautist, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia on Tuesday-NE photo
The performance was organised as part of ‘Virasat 2025’ – a SPIC MACAY event, organised by the SPIC MACAY Heritage Club at IITGN, running from March 22 – 30, 2025. The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth, popularly known as SPIC MACAY, is a nationwide movement committed to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage among youth, by focussing on classical arts and their deeper values, while offering a glimpse into the age-old guru-shishya tradition.
Pandit Chaurasia enthralled the audience with renditions of Madhuvanti, Yaman, and Pahadi, among other ragas. The performance, which filled the 600-seat auditorium, was not only a musical showcase but also an insightful interaction with the audience. The maestro shared valuable reflections on life and music, engaging spectators of all ages. When a young attendee asked, “How much practice is required to become like you?”, Pandit Chaurasia humorously responded, “As much as you can,” suggesting that even half an hour of daily practice would be beneficial.
The evening was marked by a lively exchange of questions from the audience, which were answered with wit and charm by the celebrated flautist.
‘Virasat 2025’ also featured an array of celebrated artists throughout the week. The event commenced on March 22 with a remarkable Carnatic violin performance by Padma Shri and Sangita Kalanidhi awardee Vidushi A Kanyakumari, accompanied by Vidwan Vaikom Gopalakrishnan on the ghatam, Vidwan Thiruvallikeni K Sekar on the thavil, and Dr Nishanth Chandran on the violin.
The following day, on March 23, another Padma Shri awardee Kaluram Bamaniya led the audience through a spiritual journey with his rendition of Kabir’s poetry, supported by Ramprasad Parmar on the harmonium, Devidas Bairagi on the dholak, Sajjansinha Parmar on the nag nagadi, and Arpita Bamaniya on the manjira. Ranjit Akhand and Uttamsinha Bamaniya’s vocal harmonies enhanced the devotional experience, making it lively and profound. On March 24, Padma Shri awardee Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar delivered an unforgettable Hindustani vocal performance, accompanied by Padma Shri awardee Pandit Suresh Tawalkar on tabla, Ameya Bichu on harmonium, and Nirbhay Saxena on vocal support.
From March 27 – 30, 2025, Virasat 2025 will host a series of immersive workshops across diverse art forms.
The workshops will run concurrently in the evenings over these four days. Participants can engage in (a) Hatha Yog workshop by Swami Tejomayananda Saraswati, a renowned yoga practitioner; (b) Manjusha painting (traditional painting style) workshop by Shri Manoj Kumar Pandit, a leading Manjusha painting revivalist; (c) Hindustani vocal music workshop by Shri Kumar Mardur, a noted Kirana Gharana vocalist; and (d) Mohiniyattam workshop under the guidance of Dr Ayswaria Wariar, a distinguished performer and scholar.
The SPIC MACAY Heritage Club at IITGN aims to nurture such events, fostering a deep appreciation for classical arts through vibrant cultural activities.
