Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia awarded Sanskriti Saurabh Samman

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia was honored with the Sanskriti Saurabh Samman at the GD Birla Auditorium. The award was presented by classical singer Pandit Ajay Chakraborty, on behalf of Sanskriti Saurabh. The program began with a felicitation ceremony attended by several dignitaries including Ram Mohan Lakhotia, Promod Shah, Bimal Naulakha, Vineet Ruia, Rajeev Maheshwari, and Ashok Kumar Mundhra. Musicologist Kushal Gopalka, who came from Mumbai, also joined in on the occasion and interacted with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. The event featured a dialogue session and a jugalbandi performance by disciples.

In his speech, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia expressed his concern that today's children do not have enough opportunities to engage with the arts. He emphasized the importance of being equally dedicated to the arts as one is to their studies and family, in order to grow and develop.

Ram Mohan Lakhotia, the President of Sanskriti Saurabh, stated that the organization's goal is to honor and inspire individuals who are dedicated to preserving and advancing vibrant art and culture. He emphasized the need for the younger generation to understand and appreciate the arts.

Pramod Shah, the founder of Sanskriti Saurabh, explained that the program consisted of three parts: the felicitation of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, a dialogue session, and a jugalbandi performance by his disciples. He also noted that Sanskriti Saurabh has honored many great individuals over the years and that Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia was selected for the honor this year.

Rajeev Maheshwari, the Vice President of Saurabh Sanskriti, spoke about Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia's fame and noted that he has already received several awards from the government. He expressed his happiness that the organization was able to honor him as well.

Finally, Pandit Ajay Chakraborty expressed his joy in being able to present the award to Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and praised his exceptional flute playing skills. He stated that not many people are capable of playing the flute as well as Pandit ji and that he has a unique style that mesmerizes listeners.