30/06/2025
A Grand Homage in Melody – Sangeet Samarpan to Ustad Dhyanesh Khan Organised by Aashish Khan School of World Music powered by Gainwell Pvt. Ltd. in association with Calcutta Performing Arts Foundation.
Venue: Satyajit Ray Auditorium, ICCR Kolkata | Dates: 31st May & 1st June 2025
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A Tribute Steeped in Devotion and Legacy
Kolkata bore witness to a soul-stirring two-day Indian classical music concert titled Sangeet Samarpan, a tribute to the great sarod maestro Ustad Dhyanesh Khan, held at the Satyajit Ray Auditorium, ICCR, on the 31st of May and 1st of June 2025. Organised by the Aashish Khan School of World Music in association with Calcutta Performing Arts Foundation, and powered by Gainwell Pvt. Ltd., this remarkable event brought together generations of musical talent, disciples, maestros, and enthusiasts in a celebration of the Guru-Shishya Parampara and the unparalleled contribution of the Maihar Senia Gharana.
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A Loving Tribute by Smt. Ayesha Khan
The inaugural day began on a deeply emotional and spiritual note as Smt. Ayesha Khan, the wife of the late Ustad Dhyanesh Khan, took the stage and delivered a warm and heartfelt welcome address. Her words, imbued with grace and deep affection, resonated through the auditorium as she offered homage and floral respects to Ustad Baba Allauddin Khan Saheb, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan Saheb, Ustad Aashish Khan Saheb, and her beloved husband, Ustad Dhyanesh Khan Saheb. Joining her in this poignant ceremonial tribute was Shri Ashim Bhattacharjee, a senior disciple of Ustad Aashish Khan Saheb, underscoring the living continuity of the Guru’s legacy. The presence and reverence of Smt. Ayesha Khan set the perfect tone for what would follow—two evenings of sublime music offered in devotion and gratitude.
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Day One: Tradition in Bloom
The musical proceedings on Day One began with a Guru Vandana, presented with sincerity and reverence by a student of the Aashish Khan School of World Music. It set a spiritual tone, connecting the audience to the spirit of devotion that underlined the event.
The Instrumental Ensemble of the Aashish Khan School of World Music, conducted by senior faculty member Shri Dwiptanil Bhattacharjee, then took center stage. The ensemble presented Raag Hemant, a lesser-heard yet captivating raga created by Acharya Baba Allauddin Khan Saheb. The performance featured a Madhya Laya G*t and a Jhala composed by Ustad Ali Akbar Khan Saheb. The ensemble displayed not only technical finesse but also a deep emotional understanding of the raga, with Bhattacharjee’s direction guiding the students with clarity and maturity.
Next, the Vocal Ensemble of the Aashish Khan School of World Music, under the guidance of vocal faculty Dipanwita Ganguly, captivated the audience with their rendition of Raag Yaman, followed by a devotional Bhajan by Surdas. Their performance was marked by purity of tone and disciplined group dynamics, reflecting the school’s rigorous training ethos.
Sound design by Soumitra Das & Santu Das
Stage & Lights: Soumya Sarkar and team
Art-Work: Ankana Sil
Anchor: Swapna Biswas & Yosh*ta Banerjee.
📸 Gourhari Das