by Arun Pathak
Bokaro: The spirit of Indian classical music came alive at the Adarsh Cooperative Society, Sector 12, Bokaro, where the All India Music Conference was held in association with senior musician Pt. Bachchanji Maharaj. The event saw a vibrant confluence of seasoned maestros and budding artists who mesmerized the audience with soulful renditions of vocal and instrumental performances.
The evening began with the ceremonial lamp lighting by chief guest Dr. Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary, representative of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, along with special guests Himanshu Shekhar Mishra, Chanda Tiwari, BSL DGM Sanjay Kumar Sharma, and Sarita Sharma. In his address, Dr. Chaudhary said, “Classical music is the soul of Indian culture. To preserve our heritage, the youth must connect with classical music, dance, and fine arts.”
The cultural extravaganza opened with a graceful Odissi dance by Sudiksha Nayan. The audience was then treated to powerful vocal performances, including Dhrupad and Dhamar in Raag Miyan Ki Malhar and Jaijaywanti by Pt. Abhiram Pathak, and Thumri-Dadra by Pt. Surendra Pandey. Deep Narayan Goswami sang Raag Kaushiki and Jansammohini, while Hareknath Goswami’s rendition of Raag Darbari Kanhra and devotional bhajans drew applause.
Other highlights included Pratap Narayan Singh (Monu) performing Raag Desh and Pooriya Kalyan, Chandra Kant Sharma’s Raag Bihag, and bhajans by Krishna Tulsi, Vishwanath Goswami, Anandita Pathak, and Ankita Pathak. Ranjana Rai of the Banaras Gharana performed Kajri and traditional songs, earning special praise.
The event also showcased stellar tabla performances by Pt. Bachchanji Maharaj, Raju Goswami, and Deep Narayan Goswami. Young talents including Rohit Aryan, Ayushman Bhattacharya, Shreyansh Nayan, and others impressed with solo and group tabla and guitar presentations. Stage coordination was led by Himanshu Shekhar Mishra and Pt. Bachchanji Maharaj.
The event reaffirmed Bokaro’s vibrant cultural scene and the deep-rooted love for Indian classical traditions.
