‘Amar Jyoti’ concert: A musical evening in Delhi with soulful bhajan and dance rendition

In anticipation of the 75th Indian Independence Day, the Pandit Chaturlal Memorial Society, named after the late tabla maestro, organized a musical concert titled ‘Amar Jyoti’ at Delhi’s Kamani Auditorium on August 4. The aim was to pay a musical tribute to the unknown martyrs of the country. The highlight of the event featured a bhajan and Kathak jugalbandi by the renowned artistes Anup Jalota and Geetanjali Lal.

A special feature of the event was a rendition of Vande Mataram, curated and conceptualized by Indian classical singer Swaransh Mishra and tabla player Pranshu Chatur Lal. The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp after this unique presentation. Mishra provided a fresh interpretation of the national song with new lyrics, while Pranshu worked on the rhythmic structures of the song.

Following this, there was a soulful jugalbandi by Anup Jalota, a renowned musician, and Lal, an Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee from the Jaipur Gharana. Jalota presented three of his popular renditions — ‘Aisi lagi lagan,’ ‘Jag mein sundar hai yeh do naam,’ and ‘Shyam piya mori rang de chunariya’ — and Lal showcased her performance on them, accompanied by rhythmic modulations on the tabla by Pranshu.

Swaransh Mishra expressed to indianexpress.com that Vande Mataram “always pumps [his] heart with patriotism.” He considered his lyrics as a tribute to all the martyrs, with Pranshu’s percussion design giving wings to his composition. Pranshu shared his thoughts, stating that Vande Mataram beautifully highlights the diversity of India, and through music and rhythms, they pay homage to the real superheroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country.

Shruti ChaturLal, the artistic director of Pandit Chatur Lal Festival, mentioned that the Amar Jyoti concert marked 25 years since its initiation during India’s golden jubilee celebration. She credited the society, under the guidance of Pandit Charanjit and Meeta ChaturLal, for presenting iconic jugalbandis and expressed gratitude to music lovers for supporting the promotion of Indian culture globally.