The National Tansen Award for year 2014-15 was conferred on eminent music maestro Padmashri Pt Ajay Chakravarti at Gwalior on Thursday night. MlA Jaibhan Singh Pawayya was the chief guest of the function. By way of award, Rs 2 lakh, plaque of honour, shawl and coconut were presented to Pt Chakravarti.
One of the best exponent of Patiala Gharana style of singing, Pt Chakravarti has earned fame throughout the world. A number of national awards have also been conferred to him. Additional Secretary Culture Rajesh Mishra read out Tansen Alankaran in honour of Pt Chakravarti.
Jaibhan Singh Pawayya said that entire state is feeling honoured by felicitating Pt. Chakravarti. He said that Indian classical music is also a means to connect Atma to Parmatma.
Pt Chakravarti said that Gwalior is not a mere city of India, but a holy place. Blessed is Gwalior where great artiste like Tansen was born. He said that first format of Khayal singing was invented in Gwalior. Making Khayal singing his base, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan had carved identity of Patiala Gharana.
Pt Chakravarti said that no other state government gives more awards in arena of arts than Madhya Pradesh. For this, the state government deserves praise. He said that what music exponents receive as award should be re-invested by them in raising new generations. Keeping this in view, he has started Nandan School where over 1000 students are imbibing education of music free of cost. Pt Chakravarti said that it is his good fortune that first award instituted by Madhya Pradesh 'National Kumar Gandharva Award' was also conferred to him.