“Tagore Art Center and Drama School created a melodious gathering on World Music Day.”

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: When the resonating call of Pandwani, the sorrowful appeal of Bharathari, and the loving showers of Chandeni echoed with the earthy hum of Chhattisgarh, it felt as if every part of the environment was soaked in that folk melody. The audience, keeping time with the music, was enthralled by the traditional tunes. Suddenly, the unique fragrance of the raindrops falling from the sky added an extraordinary charm to the colorful, fragrant scene.

The Tagore International Center for Arts and Culture, RNTU, hosted this unique gathering of indigenous music, ‘Lokraag,’ on World Music Day. The renowned folk singer Parmanand Pandey from Khairagarh, along with his companion Janeshwar Tandiya, gave a melodious performance of Chhattisgarh’s earthy songs and music. This melodious gathering was organized in the Muktadhara Auditorium with the support of Tagore National School of Drama and Vishwarang.

On this special occasion, senior art critic Vinay Upadhyay gave a thoughtful speech on the heritage, philosophy, spirituality, and global expansion of Indian music in the changing times. Vinay Upadhyay said that melody is a gift from nature to the whole world, but India is the only country that has attained it through deep meditation in music as a form of prayer. This is why music brings joy in celebrations and becomes a nectar-like remedy in times of despair, making life fragrant. Unfortunately, in this restless, chaotic, and confused era, music has become superficial pleasure for the body rather than peace for the soul. While technology has reduced the distances between borders, it has made the search for true melodies in the noisy wilderness more challenging.

In the beginning, Tagore University’s Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sangeeta Johri, Dean Ruchi Mishra Tiwari, Director of the School of Drama Manoj Nair, and musician Santosh Kaushik ceremoniously welcomed Dr. Parmanand Pandey. The program was conducted by Amit Gupta and Anurag Tiwari, with a vote of thanks given by Vikrant Bhatt.”