Fulfilling the dream of many a musician in the country by providing a platform to promote skills, The Indian Express Indian Music Academy was formally launched today by President A P J Abdul Kalam at a well-attended function in Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts. As Kalam felicitated some of the nation’s premier artistes, the ceremony turned into an emotional occasion for many there. “In our country, musicians have to wait till they are 50 to be awarded the Padma Shree. An award ceremony like this, which the Indian Music Academy pledges to make a committed, annual event, will provide encouragement and motivation to all those who have chosen to dedicate their life to music,” said Durga Jasraj who along with Vikram Shankar hit upon the Academy idea. In his address, Kalam recited the lines of poet Rumi, bringing out the importance of art and culture in society and highlighted the example set by Rukmini Devi, founder of the The Arts Academy at Kalakshetra. “Music and dance have the potential to play a balanced note that helps unify minds and hearts of people across the globe. They can be used as tools for global peace and musicians can become the ambassadors of this noble mission,” the President said, adding that the establishment of The Indian Express Indian Music Academy was a laudable effort. At the function, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Kishen Maharaj, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal and Lata Mangeshkar were honoured by the President. Santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, lyricist Javed Akhtar, Academy founder member Pandit Jasraj, Governor S M Krishna and Chief Minister and Guest of Honour Vilasrao Deshmukh too were present. Emphasising the need for such an institution in the country, Pandit Kishen Maharaj said: “They give away crores of rupees in television game shows. But actual talent lacks support and recognition. Cricketers are gifted expensive cars when they score a record number of runs or get a high number of wickets, but for a lifetime spent composing and singing songs, we’ve never won even a bicycle. Steps have to be taken to keep the welfare of musicians in mind. But with the support of the President and all Indians, the musician community will not have to suffer in the hour of their need.” The event concluded with the performance of younger musicians, including sitar player Niladri Kumar, percussionist Taufiq Kureshi, mandolin player U Shriniwas, kanjira player Selva Ganesh. Tabla maestro Ustaad Zakir Hussain, who accompanied them, cheerfully acknowledged himself to be the sole “old fogey” in the group. The first IMA music concert is to take place in April and tour through the country.
