Grand Opening of the ‘Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar Sangeet Samaroh’- Inauguration of the Centenary Silver Jubilee Year Celebrations of ABGMVM

This two-day event not only celebrated the Mandal’s illustrious 124-year journey but also served as a powerful affirmation of the continued relevance, tradition, and practice of Indian classical music. The active participation of senior musicians, emerging artists, and students reaffirmed that the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal is not merely an examination board, but a living, brea
- (1888PressRelease) May 25, 2025 - The Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal (ABGMVM), Mumbai—India’s leading organization engaged in promotion and propagation of classical music —commenced its 125th anniversary celebrations with the grand opening of "Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar Sangeet Samaroh" on May 5 and 6, 2025, at Vishnudas Bhave Auditorium, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. This event marked the formal inauguration of the Mandal’s Centenary Silver Jubilee Year.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of Mandal dignitaries, acclaimed musicians, students, and music connoisseurs from across the country. The formal proceedings commenced with an invocation by Shri. Yogesh Chaudhary, followed by the traditional lamp lighting ceremony and the Mandal’s customary prayer. During the welcome address, Shri. Ramrao Nayak, member of the Management Council, reflected on the Mandal’s founding vision, its core objectives, and the organization's enduring contribution to the realm of Indian classical music.
Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, the Chief Guest, Ms. Aastha M. Karlekar (Honourable Director, South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur), graced the ceremony. She inaugurated thae Mandal’s newly developed website, created in technical collaboration with Pune-based company, Digital Flame Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd. The event also included the felicitation of eminent guests, including Sangeet Mahamahopadhyay Pt. Shivdas Degulkar and Ms. Namrata Manohar.
In his keynote address, Honourable President of the Mandal, Shri. Balasaheb Suryawanshi, eloquently outlined the vision of Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, the legacy of the Mandal, and Paluskarji’s monumental contributions to the propagation of music education in India.
Musical Performances:
The musical presentations during this two-day event reflected the academic depth and artistic diversity of the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. Across both days, the stage came alive with stellar performances in classical music and dance.
The festival opened on May 5 with a group performance by students affiliated with the Mandal, followed by Khayal singing by Dr. Chetana Pathak from Mumbai, classical vocal recital by Pt. Bhuvanesh Komkali from Dewas, and a powerful tabla solo by Pt. Yogesh Samsi from Mumbai.
The evening of May 6 was equally captivating with soulful vocal performances by Shri. Aditya Modak from Mumbai and Ms. Ruchira Kale from Pune. The evening concluded with a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Pt. Rajendra Gangani from Delhi, who brought the rich tradition of Kathak to life on stage.
These presentations were further elevated by the musical accompaniment—Gangadhar Shinde, Dnyaneshwar Sonawane, Abhishek Kale, and Siddhesh Bicholkar on harmonium; Kishor Korde, Mandar Puranik, Swapnil Bhise, Fatehsingh Gangani, and Yati Bhagwat on tabla; and the remarkable presence of Ustad Sabir Khan on sarangi. Together, they added depth, rhythm, and emotion to the performances, turning them into vibrant expressions of the discipline, emotion, and timeless legacy of Indian classical music.
Conclusion:
This two-day event not only celebrated the Mandal’s illustrious 124-year journey but also served as a powerful affirmation of the continued relevance, tradition, and practice of Indian classical music. The active participation of senior musicians, emerging artists, and students reaffirmed that the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal is not merely an examination board, but a living, breathing embodiment of India’s rich musical heritage. The festival stands as a memorable and inspiring beginning to the Mandal’s Centenary Silver Jubilee Year celebrations.
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