10th Bhimaanjali Honors Dr. Ambedkar with Classical Maestros

New Delhi [India], December 20: The 10th edition of Bhimaanjali, the annual pre-dawn convocation of Indian classical music held in reverent homage to B. R. Ambedkar, marked a luminous milestone on December 6, 2025, at Ravindra Natya Mandir. Presided over by Sanjay Shirsath, Maharashtra’s Minister of Social Justice, the decade edition reaffirmed Bhimaanjali’s standing as a contemplative forum where melody and rhythm illuminate Dr Ambedkar’s enduring ideals of equality, dignity and social upliftment.

Commencing at 6:00 AM, the programme drew an attentive gathering of music connoisseurs, scholars and devotees. Organised by the Rashtranirmata Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Vicharak Samiti, Bhimaanjali 2025 presented an exceptional constellation of artistes whose performances wove a tapestry of introspective ālāps, rhythmic dialogue and unadorned classical purity—true to the festival’s defining pre-dawn spirit.

A Morning of Musical Contemplation

A defining highlight of the morning was the sitar recital by Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, seventh-generation maestro of the Imdadkhani (Etawah) gharana. His performance—steeped in the gayaki ang with voice-like ālāps and nuanced improvisation—transported listeners into a meditative realm. Interspersed vocal renderings of verses by Kabir, Amir Khusro and Krishna Bihari Noor evoked themes of unity, devotion and social justice, resonating deeply with Ambedkar’s vision.

He was joined by a distinguished ensemble of exponents from varied traditions: Pandit Rupak Kulkarni, whose lyrical phrasing and soulful timbral contrasts enriched the sonic palette; Pandit Atul Kumar Upadhye, founder of the Upadhye Violin Academy, who expanded the rāga canvas through an innovative synthesis of Indian and Western violin techniques; and Carnatic stalwart Pandit Sridar Parthasarathy, whose vocal and mridangam artistry introduced sophisticated rhythmic interplay across classical idioms. Veteran tabla guru Pandit Mukesh Jadhav provided sensitive accompaniment and compelling solo passages, shaping the rhythmic architecture throughout the morning.

A Decade of Distinguished Tributes

Over its ten-year journey, Bhimaanjali has welcomed an illustrious roster of luminaries—including Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Pandit Ronu Majumdar, Dr N. Rajam, Pandit Nayan Ghosh, and Dr. Sangita Shankar—each offering a unique musical homage to Dr Ambedkar’s legacy.

A Gathering of Cultural and Civic Leaders

The morning was further distinguished by the presence of senior officials and cultural figures, underscoring the event’s resonance with Ambedkarite values of inclusivity and social justice. In his address, Minister Sanjay Shirsath lauded the programme’s refinement and philosophical alignment with Dr Ambedkar’s ideals. He noted that the contemplative dawn setting and classical idiom together created an enriching experience inspired by the architect of modern India.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Vijay Kadam, Chief Coordinator of the Rashtranirmata Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vicharak Samiti, observed that Bhimaanjali is more than a concert series—it is a living tribute that celebrates the unifying power of music to inspire reflection, dialogue and social harmony, honouring tradition while enabling creative exchange.

Carrying the Dawn Forward

As Bhimaanjali 2025 concluded, the audience departed suffused with the morning’s contemplative spirit. The organisers—along with Tal Vihar Sangeet Sanstha—reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inclusive cultural spaces where Indian classical music reinforces the ideals of equality, dignity and collective remembrance.

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