📰 Indian Musical Heritage Resonates in Ujjain as International Artists Receive Grand Honour

Ujjain | Special Correspondent

On the auspicious occasion of the Bengali New Year, “Poila Boishakh,” a grand ceremony dedicated to art, culture, and Indian music was organized in the holy city of Ujjain. During the special event held at the Chief Minister’s Office premises, internationally acclaimed tabla maestro Aditya Narayan Banerjee was honoured with the title of “Taal Ratna,” while Bollywood music director and renowned keyboard artist Kaustav Sarkar received the prestigious “Sangeet Ratna” award.

The honours were presented by Nivrah Foundation. The ceremony was attended by Nandlal Yadav, President of the Ujjain Press Club and elder brother of the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, who graced the event as the chief guest and felicitated both artists with certificates and commemorative mementos.

During the programme, it was highlighted that Aditya Narayan Banerjee is among the select Indian artists who have taken Indian classical music to the global stage. He has performed in more than 30 countries and over 140 international cities, earning worldwide recognition for promoting the richness and dignity of Indian musical traditions.

Meanwhile, Kaustav Sarkar is also a well-known figure in the Bollywood music industry, widely appreciated for his musical direction and contemporary keyboard performances, which have earned him popularity among younger audiences.

The two artists are currently on a visit to Madhya Pradesh regarding the management and expansion plans of a proposed International Music Institute. As part of their visit, they arrived in Ujjain to seek blessings at the sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, where they were also honoured during the ceremony.

During the event, the artists also spoke about the present condition of art and music education in Madhya Pradesh. They stated that the state currently has only one major music university in Sagar, despite the presence of talented artists in almost every district. Due to the lack of proper platforms and resources, many talented individuals are unable to reach national and international levels.

On this occasion, Aditya Narayan Banerjee and Kaustav Sarkar announced that, with the support of Luniya Vinayak Group of Companies, they are working on a plan to establish Art and Literature Institutes across various districts of Madhya Pradesh. The initiative aims to provide local artists, musicians, and writers with training, performance platforms, and international exposure.

Aditya Banerjee said:

“Our objective is not only to teach music, but also to pass India’s rich cultural heritage on to the next generation. Madhya Pradesh is filled with talent; what is needed is the right platform and proper guidance.”

He further added that receiving such a prestigious honour in the holy city of Ujjain during the Bengali New Year celebrations was a matter of immense pride and fortune for him during his two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh.

At the conclusion of the programme, guests and art enthusiasts praised the efforts of both artists and described the initiative as a positive step toward the promotion of Indian music, culture, and artistic heritage.