Audi swayed to the jugalbandi of sitar tunes and tabla beats at TMU.

Moradabad: The auditorium packed with music lovers at Tirthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad was enthralled again and again by the jugalbandi of renowned sitar maestro Pandit Dr. Harvinder Sharma and young tabla player Ujith Uday Kumar – Sitar Restaille.

The jugalbandi of the sitar’s melodies and the beats of the tabla resonated in the hearts and minds of the audience for a long time. This memorable musical gathering began with the lighting of a lamp in front of Goddess Saraswati.

Apart from the guest artists, Executive Director Mr. Akshat Jain, MLC Dr. Jaipal Singh Vyas, Notable presence included Dr. RC Gupta, Regional Coordinator, Speak Macay, Dr. Mukul Kishore, District Coordinator, Speak Macay, Prof. MP Singh, Dean Student Welfare, etc. Executive Director Mr. Akshat Jain believes that the University is committed not only to academic excellence but also to the preservation and propagation of cultural values. Events like ‘Sitar Recital’ will not only develop sensitivity towards Indian music among the students but will also enhance their personality, creativity and cultural understanding.

Mr. Jain says, “TMU’s mission is to connect education with life-oriented experiences. He hopes the university will continue to host such rich cultural events.” The program was conducted by Dr. Mani Saraswat. Prior to this, a sitar recital was organized under the coordination of Professor Vipin Jain, Dean of TIMIT.

The Sitar Recital not only introduced the students to the wonderful journey of notes but also gave them an opportunity to understand the deeper meaning of musical practice and tradition. The keynote performance was given by renowned sitarist Pandit (Dr.) Harvinder Sharma. He has been continuously serving Indian classical music for the past six decades. Pandit (Dr.) Harvinder Sharma’s first visit to Moradabad, specifically to TMU, was a special occasion.

Pandit Sharma created such a melodious atmosphere with his sitar playing that nearly 700 university students were immersed in his melodies. His musical journey is inspiring for music lovers. He has taken his art to new heights through degrees, research, and performances on international stages. He is a renowned performer of traditional and light classical music. He is a top-rated artist on All India Radio and Doordarshan. He has dozens of prestigious honors in his kitty, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2023.

Pandit Sharma, who is highly educated from Ancient Art Centre, Punjab University and Kurukshetra University, was blessed with his father Meghraj Sharma as his biggest source of inspiration in his musical journey. He has performed on stages across India, Canada, USSR, Dubai, Australia and New Zealand and also served as a cultural ambassador to the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Moscow. Sitarist Pandit Harvinder Sharma was accompanied on tabla by Shri Ujith Udaya Kumar, whose mastery of rhythm and beat added liveliness and dynamism to the performance.

Inspired by his father, Chetan Uday Kumar, young tabla player Ujit Uday Kumar’s fingers began to dance on the tabla at the age of three. His teacher is Rafiuddin Sabri. He has been honoured with the title of Pole Star of India by the Vice President of India. Along with TMU and SPIC MACAY, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth Affairs also participated in this event. Along with these central ministries, the state’s culture department and Bhatkhande Cultural University also made invaluable contributions. Tirthankara Mahavir University Student Clubs also played an active role.