Caught in the magic of classical renditions

The auditorium of the Institute of Technology and Management University, Gurgaon reverberated with lilting notes of sitar when maestro Pt Prateek Chaudhari rendered the ragas of Hindustani classical music on his instrument.

Mesmerising performance said students say after attending the 40-minute long musical event which not only created a soothing ambience around them but also gave a sense of relaxation after the day-long hectic class.

The event ‘Virasat 14’ , was organised by School of Law, under the ITM University Chapter of Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY). |

As Virasat literally means ‘heritage’, the concert was organised to spread awareness about the cultural traditions and heritage of India.

Also, anything other than SPIC MACAY a voluntary youth movement which promotes Indian classical music, dance, and other aspects of Indian culture, would not have been a better platform to fulfil the objective.

The students were enthralled by the beauty of classical music and got lost in the moment when Pt Prateek Chaudhuri accompanied on tabla by ustad Pt Sovon Hazra, played Raga Madhuvanti.

The experience was a memorable one and the students thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the event while gaining an insight into the cultural traditions of India.

Chaudhuri explained that no other music in the world has ‘ragas’ for different times of the day or seasons, except Indian classical music. Chaudhuri and Hazra showed the difference and relevance of each raga, each note. The programme concluded with the melodious note of Vaishnavajana by
Pt Chaudhuri.

“Through the performance and interaction with reno­wned artistes, students got the chance to understand and appreciate some of the intricacies of our classical music,” said Prof Prem Vrat, Vice Chancellor, ITM University.

Nitish Aggrawal, B.Tech final year student says, “Classical music eases you mentally and emotionally. It is the best part of our Indian music. But today, youngsters don’t rea­lise its importance and they run for western music. Thro­ugh our simple initiative we want to keep alive the rich musical heritage of our country.”