New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, Pt. Ravishankar Music Studio at Broadcasting House, Akashvani, came alive with a special function organized to mark the launch of a new radio program series, ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’. This series has been specially curated to showcase the myriad shades of Indian Classical Music on the airwaves.
Jointly presented by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Public Service Broadcaster, Akashvani, this series will be broadcast simultaneously from 21 stations across India at 9:30 AM daily until February 16, 2025, effectively covering almost all parts of the country.
The function formally commenced at 10:30 AM with floral offerings to Goddess Saraswati by Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Shri Aruneesh Chawla; CEO, Prasar Bharati, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi; Director General, Akashvani, Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur; Joint Secretary, Culture, Ms. Ameeta Prasad Sarbhai; and Director General, Doordarshan, Ms. Kanchan Prasad.
In her welcome address, DG, Akashvani, Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur highlighted the celestial significance of Basant Panchami this year, symbolizing the rare confluence of Saraswati and Lakshmi as the spring season ushers in. Elaborating on the concept and broadcast schedule of ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’, she expressed hope that this collaborative effort would prove fruitful.
The series ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’ was digitally inaugurated by Shri Aruneesh Chawla and Shri Gaurav Dwivedi amid a standing ovation. In his special inaugural remarks, CEO, Prasar Bharati, highlighted the stellar, historical role of Akashvani across the country over the decades. He optimistically expressed that such creative partnerships could help new avenues blossom.
Performing Art Forms in the Age of AI
In his keynote speech, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Aruneesh Chawla detailed the vision behind this collaboration. He referred to various initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Culture and emphasized the need to conserve and preserve performing art forms in the present AI era. According to him, involving the younger generation in such projects is a key solution. He also remarked that the Ministry of Culture looks forward to extrapolating this joint presentation.
Interspersed with the formal proceedings were live musical performances. Saraswati Vandana and a vocal rendition in Raag Basant held the audience spellbound, while Raag Des, played on the Sarod, enthralled everyone present in the studio.
