Continuing its tradition of celebrating Independence Day through the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical music, the Campus Cultural Centre of the University of Hyderabad organized two classical music concerts on the university campus on Friday evening. The program featured a Shehnai recital by renowned artiste Sri Rudresh Bhajantri of Hyderabad, followed by a Hindustani vocal recital by Vidushi Smt. Aradhana Karhade Shastri.

The Shehnai

The Shehnai has a historic association with India’s Independence Day. On the occasion of India’s first Independence Day in 1947, the legendary Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan performed the instrument at the Red Fort in New Delhi. To commemorate this historic musical tradition and its association with the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, a Shehnai recital was organized as part of the program.

The evening opened with a spellbinding Shehnai recital by Sri Rudresh Bhajantri, an accomplished Shehnai artiste and an A-grade artiste of All India Radio. Hailing from Karnataka and settled in Hyderabad, Rudresh represents a rich classical tradition of Shehnai music and has received rigorous training under eminent maestros of the instrument.

Rudresh presented a selection of classical ragas, including Puriya Dhanashri and Kedar, followed by a dhun. He brought his recital to a stirring conclusion with a soulful rendition of the patriotic song “Sare Jahan Se Achha,” which received an enthusiastic response from the audience. He was accompanied on tabla by Sri Vijay Panchal and on swaramandal by Sri Abhinash Kumar.

Hindustani Vocal

The second concert featured a Hindustani vocal recital by Vidushi Smt. Aradhana Karhade Shastri, a well-known artiste, teacher and voice-culture expert in Hyderabad. Belonging to a family of musicians settled in Hyderabad, Aradhana began her musical training with her mother, Smt. Usha Karhade, and subsequently continued under the guidance of her father, Dr. N. K. Karhade. After years of rigorous training under Dr. Karhade, she received further guidance from Pt. Vasantrao Rajurkar, and also benefited from the musical guidance of Vidushi Malini Rajurkar and Pt. Vajendra Ashrit. She currently receives regular guidance from Dr. Sudha Patwardhan of Pune.

Aradhana has won several music competitions across India, including the prestigious National Competition in Music, and was the all-India topper in Sangeet Alankar in 2000. An A-grade artiste of All India Radio, she has performed extensively across India and is also widely recognized for her contribution to music education and voice culture. Her students include learners from different age groups and several countries across the world.

Aradhana began her recital with Raga Maru Bihag, presenting a bada khayal followed by a drut composition. Her nuanced rendition and command over the intricacies of Hindustani classical music captivated the audience. She concluded the recital with Raga Bhairavi.

Aradhana was accompanied by Sri. Anish Bharati on tabla and Sri. Upkar Godboley on harmonium and Madhuri Kumari on tanpura.

About the organizer

The program was meticulously organized by the Campus Cultural Centre, University of Hyderabad, and coordinated by Dr. Aranyakumar, Cultural Coordinator of the University. Faculty members from various departments, students and music enthusiasts from Hyderabad attended the program.

A team of student volunteers, including Pratik Joshi, Abhinash Kumar, Madhuri Kumari, Suresh Khushawah, Sai Santosh H. N., Rajani Gupta, Shubhashesh, Nagasudha Pranava, Deepika, Muskan Kumari, T. Vijay and Karan Malik, among others, played an important role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. Mohit Mehta, PhD scholar from the Department of Music hosted the program, while tabla artist Sri. Pratik Joshi introduced the artists to the audience.

The artistes were felicitated by eminent musicians from Hyderabad, including Pt. Surendra Bharati, Pt. Janardhan and Pt. Gajendra Shewalkar. The evening provided a memorable confluence of musical excellence and patriotic spirit, reaffirming the University of Hyderabad’s commitment to promoting Indian classical music and the country’s rich cultural heritage as part of its Independence Day celebrations.