Sanjay Shirsath, Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan and leading maestros mark the 10th Bhimaanjali tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar

The 10th edition of Bhimaanjali, an annual pre-dawn gathering celebrating Indian classical music in honour of Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar, took place on December 6, 2025 at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai.

This milestone event, marking a decade of its existence, continued its cherished tradition of paying tribute to Dr Ambedkar’s ideals through the soothing and unifying power of classical music. Beginning at 6.00 a.m., the programme drew a captivated audience of musicians, scholars, students and classical arts enthusiasts. Organised by the Rashtranirmata Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Vicharak Samiti under the guidance of the principal secretary, social justice and special assistance department (SJSA), Harshdeep Kamble, Bhimaanjali has earned a reputation for its serene and reflective ambience, where music unfolds gracefully in the tranquil hours of dawn. The morning featured performances by several esteemed artists representing diverse classical traditions. A standout moment was the sitar recital by Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan of the Imdadkhani (Etawah) gharana. His performance, marked by a rich vocal style of playing (gayaki ang), beautifully blended intricate improvisation with lyrical depth. He also wove in verses by poets such as Kabir and Amir Khusro, adding a thoughtful and inclusive dimension to the recital.

Other notable performances included Pandit Rupak Kulkarni, who delivered expressive and nuanced passages showcasing profound melodic sensitivity; Pandit Atul Kumar Upadhye, who adopted an innovative approach on the violin by blending Indian classical traditions with select Western techniques; and Pandit Sridar Parthasarathy, whose command over both vocal music and the mridangam infused the programme with rhythmic richness and cross-traditional dialogue.

Pandit Mukesh Jadhav provided elegant tabla accompaniment, enhancing the performances with clarity and balance. Over the past decade, Bhimaanjali has hosted several luminaries of Indian classical music, including Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Dr N Rajam, Pandit Ronu Majumdar and Ustad Sultan Khan, among others. Each edition has offered a platform for these artists to share their music, allowing it to resonate as a form of reflection and remembrance. The event attracted attendees from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds, reflecting its broad appeal and commitment to inclusivity and shared cultural values. Reflecting on the occasion, the Hon Minister of Social Justice, Shri Sanjay Shirsat, emphasised that Bhimaanjali was envisioned as more than a concert series. He noted that its purpose has always been to create a space where artists across traditions and generations can come together, using music as a medium for dialogue, introspection and social harmony. As the final notes faded into the morning air, the audience departed with a sense of tranquillity and contemplation. The tenth edition of Bhimaanjali reaffirmed its importance as a cultural celebration—one that continues to honour Dr Ambedkar’s legacy through the enduring and unifying spirit of Indian classical music.