India’s renowned Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on Monday accepted Punjab Government's offer to set up a state-of-the-art music academy in the state to revive the glory of Indian classical music. Highly impressed by Khan's enormous contribution towards promoting art and culture in the country, especially in the field of classical music, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal impressed upon him to establish this music academy to impart world class training to the music aspirants on the line of traditional guru-shishya parampara (teacher pupil tradition).
Badal assured Khan of all necessary help and support and asked him to submit a detailed project report in this regard shortly so that it could be taken forward. He offered suitable land for setting up the academy either at Mohali or New Chandigarh (Mullanpur). The offer came during the launch of Gurbani album of Shabads recited by eminent raagi Harbhajan Singh Namdhari and composed by Khan. Badal felicitated both the performers for this unique initiative.
Chief Minister said that he hoped this collection of Shabads would prove to be a 'food for soul' to sooth the tormented minds of millions of people in the world. Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for this benevolent gesture, Khan said that he was passionate to start this music academy in Punjab — the soil of Gurus, saints, seers and prophets. Khan said that with this offer, one of his most cherished desires to promote the Indian classical music in every nook and corner of the country will come true.
He said that he was keen to set up this academy in Punjab in order to pay glowing tributes to Guru Nanak Dev, who preached the message of universal brotherhood, love and oneness of God. Khan also made extremely significant and revealing observations about Punjab’s unparalleled contribution to the art, literature and musical richness of the Indian culture and civilisation.
“Punjab is the cradle of India’s civilisation. It was here that the Vedas were composed. Mahabharta, the Ramayana and the message of the divine Gita was delivered to mankind. We had several outstanding music gharanas from Punjab and also the Harbhallab Sangeet Sammelan has been organised regularly on an international scale. But it needs to be given a new lease of life now,” he said.