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In conversation with Hidayat Husain Khan, exquisite sitar player and vocalist

A direct descendant and proponent of one of the most treasured lineages of eastern classical music, sitarist Hidayat Husain Khan is the youngest son of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan, globally acclaimed as the greatest of all sitarists,

Hidayat Husain Khan harbors a rare, creative brilliance that effortlessly takes him across all genres and nuances of music. An exquisite sitar player and vocalist well-versed in the ‘Gayaki ang’.

Hidayat Husain Khan has lent his versatility in several film score compositions and has performed in numerous classical and fusion concerts, independently and in collaboration with such illustrious musical names as, Ndugu Chancler, Ronnie Woods, Alicia Keys, Usher, Zakir Hussain, Pete Townshend, Will.I.Am, Jay Z and Darryl Jones.

Today, we take a journey back to his childhood days, of first picking up the sitar to mastering it, and much more about Indian Classical Music. We also talk about  the Memorial Concert at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, on 2nd March 2024, in honor of Ustad Vilayat Khan’s 20th Anniversary,  which is being presented by Sneh Arts. Do listen- in to this conversation, on our Show, Saat Samundar Paar, on MeraSangeet Gold, today – 21st February, at 9:00AM,1:00 PM,5:00 PM and 9:00 PM – EST. You can also catch the interview on MeraSangeet East at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM – EST

From our Archives – conversation with the prominent Indian Hindi and Urdu poet, lyricist and dialogue writer

Nida Fazli, was a prominent Indian Hindi and Urdu poet, lyricist and dialogue writer. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 by the government of India for his contribution to literature.

He was honored with the National Harmony Award for writing on communal harmony. He wrote 24 books in Urdu, Hindi and Gujarati. Some of his works are also present in National Council of Educational Research and Training Hindi textbooks which millions of students study. He received the Mir Taqi Mir award for his autobiographical novel Deewaron Ke Bich from the Government of Madhya Pradesh. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nida_Fazli

Today, we get a chance to relive some moments with Nida Fazli Sahaab – each word of this conversation is poetic – taking the listener through a high through our very own languages, Hindi and Urdu – weaved into each other, so beautifully. Catch the conversation, recorded many years back, today, 20th February, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

Save the dates for – Ustad Vilayat Khan 20th Anniversary Memorial Concert, on Saturday March 2nd 2024

Sneh Arts presents a heartfelt Memorial Concert at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, on 2nd March 2024, in Honor of Ustad Vilayat Khan’s 20th Anniversary.

This unique program is being co-presented by Sneh Arts and the Ustad Vilayat Khan Foundation, a testament to their shared commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Indian classical music. Together, they ensure a comprehensive and authentic tribute to the maestro, emphasizing his enduring impact on the world of music.

The opening tribute will immerse the audience in a combination of music, audio-visuals, and poetic narration.  This musical collaboration promises to be a poignant and fitting conclusion to an evening dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Ustad Vilayat Khan.

Tickets for the memorial concert are available for purchase at Carnegie Hall’s official website or at the venue’s box office. For more information, do visit https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2024/03/02/Ustad-Vilayat-Khan-20th-Anniversary-Memorial-Concert-0700PM

About Food, Beverages and Recipes – from the land of wonders – India

India is a land of wonders, no doubt, one bit on that – and so it is also a land of huge diversity – reflected through the varied cultures, languages, dialects, food, beverages and cuisines, to name just a few. MeraSangeet, in yet another attempt to bridge the gap, tries to bring these delicacies, right from the kitchens back home – some saved in our memories, some through our own skills, some shared by our dear listeners who hail from different parts of India.

Tune – in on alternate Tuesdays, on our Hindi Radio Show, Chat and Chai, on MeraSangeet Gold at 7:00 AM,11:00 AM, 3:00 PM,7:00 PM , 11:00 PM – EST.

Press Release by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

Democrats maintained the Pennsylvania Democratic House majority tonight after DLCC Spotlight Candidate Jim Prokopiak won his critical special election in the battleground HD-140.

Representative-elect Jim Prokopiak issued the following statement:

“I ran for this seat because I want to make peoples’ lives easier in Bucks County. What I heard from voters is that Bucks County residents need help supporting their families, want control over their own bodies, and ensure they have the ability to chart their own paths in life. I’m committed to taking my conversations with voters to Harrisburg and making their dreams a reality. I want to thank voters in my district who put their trust in me, as well as the DLCC for their support. I’m excited to get to work with the House Democratic majority to deliver for families across Bucks County and Pennsylvania. I’m honored to join the Pennsylvania Democratic caucus and look forward to being back on the ballot for a full term in November.”

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“This victory is a promising sign for Democrats up and down the ballot this year – it’s clear that momentum is on our side. Now, our focus turns to defending the Pennsylvania House and making gains in the Pennsylvania Senate in November. Voters want representatives who protect their fundamental freedoms, which is why electing Democrats to legislatures across the country is so important. The DLCC is all hands on deck for 2024, where we have opportunities across the country to defend our progress, flip key chambers, and build lasting Democratic power in the states.”

To watch the earlier recording of the Zoom press conference, click on
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dlleBJR-4x4uemSvS6Wkq5M723JfALPu/view?usp=sharing

From our Archives – conversation with the Indian Ghazal singer, Chandan Dass

Chandan Dass is a popular Indian ghazal singer. He has many albums to his credit and some very unforgettable Ghazals.

On the show, recorded many years back, Chandan Dass ji talks about his journey, of being introduced to a well known Indian record company by Talat Aziz ji. He also talks about his many albums, his ghazals, of his many live performances, and so much more. We also talk about his family.

So listen – in for sure, to this wonderful conversation and some beautiful ghazals, rendered by Chandan Dass, as we rewind the clock and go down memory lane, today 11th February, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

In remembrance: From our Archives – a conversation with India’s greatest singer, Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar, a name so familiar, so much our own, a name which reached the greatest of heights, attained so much glory and fame, and yet remained so humble, so grounded. Yes, I could feel all this and the simplicity of this great personality, India’s greatest singer and a legend…

We all have heard that Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru had cried when he heard Lata Mangeshkar sing, “Ae Mere Watan ke logo”, when and where did this happen, Lata didi shared those memorable moments. She took us back to the days when she worked along with other legendary singers– Mohd Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh…some nostalgic moments, some which brought a smile, and all through this, you could feel her simplicity and her greatness.

This was way back, it seems, but this conversation will always remain fresh – showing the simplicity of a person who attained the greatest of heights – do listen – in, for the rebroadcast, with the Nightingale of India, the Queen of Melody, on our show, From our Archives, today, 6th February – which marks as the day she left us – on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST.

Save the dates for Ballimaran – The Piyush Mishra Project LIVE in Concert

Ballimaaraan – The Piyush Mishra Project is a live concert with a full band. It is a musical homage to the doyen of Urdu poetry, Mirza Ghalib. The band’s genre-bending music is a fusion of retro with contemporary tunes and has a youthful, rebellious vibe. Ghalib spent his last 10 years of life in a haveli on Ballimaaraan lane in Old Delhi near Chawri Bazaar, close to Chandni Chowk. Mishra derived the name of his show from there. Known for its powerful and free-flowing lyrics, the music feels like an engaging conversation. Since its inception in 2016, songs like Aarambh, Husna, Ghar and many others have become popular among the youth.

Piyush Mishra is known for his effortless performances in movies like Tamasha, Gangs of Wasseypur and others. Witness an enigmatic and energetic celebration in the first-ever US tour of Piyush Mishra’s Ballimaaraan.

The tickets for the show are available for purchase at Parashare.com

Press Release by the Consulate General of India, New York

The 75th Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Consulate General of India, New York with a flag hoisting ceremony on Thursday, January 26th, 2024. Consul General Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan unfurled the national flag. Over 150 members of the Indian American community and friends of India joined as the national anthem was sung. The Consul General then read out the Address of the President of India which she had delivered on the eve of India’s Republic Day. A short cultural program of patriotic songs was presented by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA. A large number of members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India participated in the celebration filling the hall with patriotic fervor. New Jersey State Senator, Mr. Raj Mukherji graced the occasion with his presence and spoke about the strong US-India partnership. Artists from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan presented Patriotic songs. The event was webcast live through the Consulate’s social media platforms.

In the evening, the Consul General hosted a reception that was attended by prominent members of the diaspora, elected officials, members of the diplomatic corps, friends from the media, and people from different walks of life. Among the esteemed guests were Congressman Michael Lawler, Mayor of Edison Township Mr. Sam Joshi, and senior diplomats and officers from the NYC Mayor’s office and NY State Governor’s office.Video messages conveying congratulations on the 75th Republic Day were played by notable figures, including New York State Governor Ms. Kathy Hochul, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, among other dignitaries.

The program included a video showcasing the Consulate’s activities across the ten states in the northeast U.S. The event also saw vibrant cultural performances from young but very talented artist, Ms. Maheshwari Jagabattula and a captivating performance from Grammy award winner, Ms. Falu Shah. Guests were then treated to a delightful Indian dinner, featuring a diverse array of regional cuisines from various parts of India. The celebration embodied the spirit of unity, diversity, and shared heritage, marking a memorable Republic Day for all in attendance. New York 29 January 2024

From our Archives – a conversation with one of India’s finest actors, Parikshit Sahni

Parikshit Sahni is one of India’s finest actors. He is the son of actor Balraj Sahni and nephew of writer Bhisham Sahni.

Parikshit Sahni is known for playing the lead in the TV series Barrister Vinod, Gul Gulshan Gulfaam (Doordarshan), and Gaatha (Star Plus). He has also appeared in three of Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster films Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. He starred in the classic Punjabi film Marhi Da Diva (1989), with Raj Babbar, Pankaj Kapur, Kanwaljit Singh, and Deepti Naval. He played a remarkable role in the Hindi film Pavitra Paapi (1970) which was based on a Punjabi novel by Nanak Singh (a famous novelist). Pavitra Paapi also featured his real-life father, Balraj Sahni in a pivotal role. Courtesy https://merasangeet.com/page/2/

Do listen – in this conversation, recorded many years back – yet again today, 29th January, on our show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

From our Archives – In conversation with Anup Jalota, the Bhajan Samraat

Anup Jalota, is an Indian singer, musician and actor best known for his contributions to the Bhajan genre of Indian Music. He is popularly known as the “Bhajan Samraat”. He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2012, by the Government of India.

Anup Jalota was born in Nainital, Uttrakhand and hails from the Sham Chowrasi Gharana of Punjab. He was educated in Lucknow’s Bhatkhande Music Institute. His father, Purshottam Das Jalota, was also a prominent Bhajan singer. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anup_Jalota

This conversation was recorded many years back – wherein we talk about Anup Jalota ji’s musical safar, about the various forms of music and much more.

Today, we bring to you, this conversation from our archives – incase you missed it earlier – tune -in for sure on 20th January, on our Hindi Radio Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST