Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan today accepted the Punjab government's offer to set up a state-of-the-art music academy in the state to revive the glory of Indian classical music.
During the launch of Gurbani Album of Shabads recited by eminent raagi Harbhajan Singh Namdhari and composed by Khan, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal felicitated both the performers for this unique initiative.
Badal said he hoped this collection of Shabads would prove to be a 'food for soul' to sooth the tormented minds of millions of people in the world.
Highly impressed by Khan's enormous contribution towards promoting art and culture in the country especially in the field of classical music, the Chief Minister impressed upon him to establish this music academy to impart world class training to the music aspirants on the line of traditional "Guru Shishya Parampara" (teacher pupil tradition).
The Chief Minister assured Khan of all necessary help and support and asked him to submit a detailed project report in this regard shortly so that it could be taken forward.
Badal offered suitable land for setting up the academy either at Mohali or New Chandigarh (Mullanpur).
Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for this benevolent gesture, Khan said he was passionate to start this music academy in Punjab- the soil of Gurus, saints, seers and prophets.
Khan said with this offer, one of his most cherished desires to promote the Indian classical music in every nook and corner of the country will come true.
Khan further said that he was keen to set up this academy in Punjab in order to pay glowing tributes to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who preached the message of universal brotherhood, love and oneness of God.
Other prominent guests at the event were Advisor on National Affairs and Media Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister S K Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Gaggandip Singh Brar, K J S Cheema and S K Raju, President Namdhari Darbar Surinder Singh Namdhari besides Amaan Ali Khan and the family members of Harbhajan Singh.
