Benu, a non-profit organisation founded by Vidushi Padmaja Chakraborty, will host a classical music program on January 16 in New Delhi. The music event, from 10 AM to 1 PM, will be held at the Dr S R KVS Auditorium, Kendriya Vidyalaya 2, Delhi Cantt.
The program will feature performances by Padmashree Vidushi Malini Awasthi (Vocal) and Pandit Rajendra Prasanna (Flute), along with additional performances by Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra, Pt. Dharmnath Mishra, Pt. Abhishek Mishra, and Samyak Parashari.
The event will be attended by students from class V and above, including college students, providing them with an opportunity to experience classical music. This program is part of Benu’s efforts to engage the younger generation with traditional Indian music.
Highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage, Vidushi Padmaja Chakraborty stated, “India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world, and we are all proud of our nation. Cultural nationalism celebrates our linguistic heritage, culture, and diversity. However, there is a pressing need to protect, preserve, and nurture our rich cultural heritage, which is eroding. Unless we strengthen our roots, it will be difficult to stand apart and position our identity in the future.”
Since its inception, Benu has been actively working to preserve Indian classical music by reaching out to children and youth. Through its “Institutional Approach,” Benu partners with schools and colleges to introduce students to Indian classical music, aiming to inspire the younger generation to take up the responsibility of preserving India’s cultural traditions. “We want the young generation to understand the value of our rich heritage. They can only preserve it when they learn directly from traditional practitioners,” added Chakraborty.
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Benu has organised similar programs since 2023 in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, engaging over 5,000 students. The organisation believes that fostering a deeper connection with classical music among young people can lead to a cultural shift in the coming years. “Music is taught in schools to a certain extent, but more needs to be done for Indian classical art forms. Benu aims to bridge this gap by organising classical music programs, providing training, and offering guidance to budding talents,” said Chakraborty.
When: January 16; 10 AM to 1 PM
Where: Dr S R KVS Auditorium, Kendriya Vidyalaya 2, Delhi Cantt
