Experiencing the Divine Through Music: Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Through music, one experiences a vision of the Divine. I communicate with people only through music. 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. Notes themselves are God. With this belief, I have served music, expressed Padma Vibhushan sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

He was speaking at the Bharat Asmita National Awards conferment ceremony organized by MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, and MIT School of Government here on Tuesday.

The function was presided over by the Founder President of MIT World Peace University, Vishwadharmi Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad.

On this occasion, world-renowned scientist Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar was present as the chief guest. Also present were Rahul Vishwanath Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU and Convener of the Bharat Asmita National Awards Committee; H.B.P. Tulsheeram D. Karad; Vice-Chancellor of MIT-WPU Dr. R. M. Chitnis; and CEO Dr. Prasad Khandekar.

At the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Shrivardhani K. Jha was honored with the ‘Bharat Asmita Acharya Shreshtha Award’ for her exceptional work in entrepreneurship. Young Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, Jyothimani Sennimalai, was conferred the ‘Bharat Asmita Jan Pratinidhi Shreshtha Award’. 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 across the world. Each award comprised a cash prize of rupees 2.5 lakh, a citation, and a memento.

Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar said, We are speaking of the vision of ‘Developed India 2047’. Why should we wait so many years? Development must be achieved at the earliest. 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 said, In today’s times, a value-based education system is essential. Students should continuously learn from elders. 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. 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 said that the Bharat Asmita Award is one that builds national pride.

Prof. Dr. Shrivardhani K. Jha said, 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.”

MP Jyothimani Sennimalai said, “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 said, Spirituality is incomplete without science, and science is incomplete without spirituality.

On this occasion, homage was paid to the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajitdada Pawar, who passed away recently.

The program was anchored by Prof. Dr. Gautam Bapat, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. R. M. Chitnis.


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