The letters G-O-O-G-L-E in the form of a spiraling creeper intertwined with a standing Sitar - that's the design of the doodle the search giant went for in order to mark the 96th birthday of Pandit Ravi Shankar, one of India's most-loved musicians and Sitar players. Shankar, who died in 2012, spent his youth learning Sitar in late 1930s and went on to compose music for the All India Radio between 1949 and 1956. As his genius spread far and wide, he started touring countries in Europe and Asia and introducing the lilting music of the Sitar. He also in the process performed with legendary Beatles guitarist George Harrison. Shankar also taught at various renowned colleges and universities across the world imparting Hindustani classical music. He continued to perform in concerts across India and gathering fans and accolades. [related-post] In 1999, Shankar was finally awarded the Bharat Ratna - India's highest civilian honour. He has also been conferred the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan in previous years. Shankar's daughters - Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar are both well-known musicians. Shankar died in December, 2012 at the age of 92.
