On January 28, 2022, Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation was launched marking the occasion of 92nd birth anniversary of late Indian classical vocalist, Pandit Jasraj.

Highlights

• During the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the online event and remembered him.
• PM urged people to take Indian music to the world and asked people to set up start-ups based on music.
• PM also requested the cultural foundation to focus on globalisation of Indian music.

Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation

Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation has been founded by Pandit Jasraj’s son, Shaarang Dev Pandit and his daughter, Durga Jasraj. Foundation was launched with the objective of protecting, preserving, developing and promoting the National Heritage, Art & Culture of India.

Who was Pandit Jasraj?

Pandit Jasraj was an Indian classical vocalist. He belonged the Mewati gharana. His musical career spanned for 75 years, giving him fame, respect and major awards nationally and internationally. Legacy of Pandit Jasraj includes memorable performances of classical and semi-classical vocal music, devotional & classical music, albums and film soundtracks. He is also known for innovations in various genres such as Haveli Sangeeth and popularizing Mewati Gharana. Pandit Jasraj taught music to professionals and amateur and students across India, Canada, United States and Europe. He passed away on August 17, 2020 in New Jersey.

The Mewati gharana

Mewati Gharana is also known as Jodhpur gharana, Jaipur-Mewati gharana, and Miyan Bande Ali Khan Beenkar gharana). It is a musical apprenticeship tribe of Indian classical music. It is known for being Pandit Jasraj’s musical lineage. This gharana was founded by Utd. Wahid Khan (beenkar) and Utd. Ghagge Nazir Khan of Indore.

By: Brijesh Kumar