Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Declares Music as Divine Connection at Bharat Asmita Awards
In a profound statement that resonated through the halls of MIT World Peace University in Pune, legendary sarod maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Amjad Ali Khan articulated his spiritual philosophy of music. "Through music, one experiences a vision of the Divine. I communicate with people only through music," he expressed during the Bharat Asmita National Awards conferment ceremony.
The Spiritual Path of Musical Notes
Elaborating on his deep connection with his art, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan emphasized the importance of understanding musical notes with devotion. "It is essential to understand the notes, and when one surrenders at the feet of the Guru, the path to the attainment of knowledge opens up," he stated. With unwavering conviction, he added, "Notes themselves are God. With this belief, I have served music." His words highlighted how Indian classical music transcends mere performance to become a medium for spiritual exploration and divine communication.
Prestigious Ceremony Honors Luminaries
The event, organized by MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, and the MIT School of Government, was presided over by the Founder President of MIT-WPU, Vishwadharmi Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad. Distinguished attendees included:
- Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, world-renowned scientist, as the chief guest
- Rahul Vishwanath Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU and Convener of the Bharat Asmita National Awards Committee
- H.B.P. Tulsheeram D. Karad
- Dr. R. M. Chitnis, Vice-Chancellor of MIT-WPU
- Dr. Prasad Khandekar, CEO
The ceremony recognized exceptional contributions across various fields with awards that included a cash prize of rupees 2.5 lakh, a citation, and a memento for each recipient.
Award Winners and Their Inspirational Messages
The Bharat Asmita National Awards celebrated individuals who have made significant impacts on society and culture:
- Prof. Dr. Shrivardhani K. Jha received the 'Bharat Asmita Acharya Shreshtha Award' for her outstanding work in entrepreneurship. She remarked, "Peace and values are important. This honor is for the work carried out through curiosity and inquiry. Now, my responsibility toward human welfare has increased further."
- Jyothimani Sennimalai, Young Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, was conferred the 'Bharat Asmita Jan Pratinidhi Shreshtha Award'. She shared, "Values give a person the strength to live. Through the Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, I understood the diversity of the country. This honor is for the social work done through that understanding."
- Actor Padma Dr. Mohan Agashe and Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan were honored with the 'Bharat Asmita Jan Jagruti Shreshtha Award' for spreading Indian classical music globally. Dr. Agashe reflected, "Spirituality is incomplete without science, and science is incomplete without spirituality."
Vision for a Developed India and Value-Based Education
Chief guest Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar addressed the audience with a call to action regarding India's development. "We are speaking of the vision of 'Developed India 2047'. Why should we wait so many years? Development must be achieved at the earliest," he urged. He encouraged everyone to draw inspiration from the awardees, stating, "Everyone should take inspiration from all the awardees who work for society and engage in social service. The Bharat Asmita Award winners are truly symbols for the youth."
Vishwanath D. Karad emphasized the critical role of education in shaping future generations. "In today's times, a value-based education system is essential. Students should continuously learn from elders," he advised. He further discussed the importance of spiritual guidance, noting, "The mind is restless; by following the path shown by Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, we can stop the world that is moving in a destructive direction." He also highlighted the cultural significance of architectural marvels, adding, "From the world's largest dome, one can experience Indian philosophy, tradition, and culture. It is essential to understand what the ultimate truth is, how life should be lived, and how it should not be lived."
Rahul Karad underscored the award's national importance, stating that the Bharat Asmita Award is one that builds national pride.
Ceremony Proceedings and Tributes
The program was skillfully anchored by Prof. Dr. Gautam Bapat, with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. R. M. Chitnis. A solemn moment of homage was paid to the state's Deputy Chief Minister Ajitdada Pawar, who passed away recently, acknowledging his contributions and legacy.
This gathering not only honored achievers but also served as a platform for discussing India's cultural heritage, developmental goals, and the integration of spirituality with modern education and science.
