Kumar Gandharva’s grandson to sing at European Parliament in a concert for peace

Dewas-based Hindustani classical vocalist Bhuvanesh Komkali, who is the grandson of musical genius Kumar Gandharva, will present the piece, along with others by Tulsidas and 18th century poet-composer Chandrasakhi in the concert titled Touching the Sacred; Ambassadors of 27 nations that are a part of the EU will be in attendance.

The concert is a collaborative effort between the Embassy of India (Belgium, Luxembourg and European Union) and Delhi-based cultural
organisation, Seher; it is perhaps the first Indian classical concert of its kind to take place in EU Parliament.

There is too much restlessness in the world at this point.

Kabir and Tulsidas *among others reverberating inside the EU Parliament will be a message of peace, says Sanjeev Bhargava, founder-director, Seher, who approached diplomat Saurabh Kumar, currently India’s ambassador to the European Union, to hold the concert.

A progressive diplomat, I am glad he had the courage to try this, says Bhargava, adding that he was clear about picking an inventive artiste who could evoke bhaav (emotions). Most people will not understand these words. But it’s the bhaav that will stay, he says. Those present in the concert will not be given any subtitles but a larger meaning of the pieces, so that they can immerse themselves in the music, he says.

The concert, interestingly, comes at a time when there are reports about the European Union deliberating over questions of security and war amid massive crises in various parts of the world.

According to Komkali, Hindustani classical music, which has the concept of reedom within discipline at its helm, is entrenched in hope, something he says, can help the world of today.

While the concert will open with a Tulsidas bhajan ‘Dhan Dhan Mangal Gaavo Re’, it will be followed by a Shiva stuti, a Gandharva composition, and three pieces by Kabir. The concert will conclude with Shanti Mantra, a prayer for universal peace from the Upanishads.