Pushparaj Koshti performs at the Heritage Hall of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Nov. 2: A performance by Pushparaj Koshti, a leading exponent of the dhrupad style in musical instruments sitar and surbahar, left the audience mesmerised at a concert held at the Heritage Hall of Ravenshaw University here yesterday.

Performing for the first time in the state, Koshti began with a traditional alap on the surbahar that was based on raag Sudh Sarang in vilambit (slow-paced tempo) and eventually went on to drut (fast-paced tempo).

Koshti had started learning sitar at the age of six from his father late Ramlal Koshti, who has been a source of inspiration for music lovers across the country and abroad.

“Indian classical music will survive as its roots are strong. These days, the number of classical music listeners is growing. Also, there is scope for expansion of every existing musical note,” said Pushparaj Koshti.

“A lot of Western professional musicians are turning to Indian classical music and they want to explore the dhrupad genre of Hindustani music,” he said.

“The progress of classical music depends on artistes who need to decide whether to entertain the crowd or keep the art and tradition alive. Today’s performance was aimed at giving an exposure to the young students, who are deprived of such kind of concerts,” Koshti said.

The students also interacted with the performers on stage.

“It was one of the most memorable performances I had seen. I got an opportunity to listen to music which was vibrant as well as soothing for the mind and soul,” said Kartik Sahu, a student.

Foundation Day

Ravenshaw University is set to celebrate its fifth foundation day on November 15. The university has planned special activities that will start from November 6. Among these, are a science exhibition and a cricket match between the present and former students of the university. Though the exact schedule is yet to be finalised, authorities said noted columnist M.J. Akbar was likely to visit the university during the celebrations. Eminent Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai also features in the guest list.

The foundation day celebrations would also see the release of the second edition of The Ravenshavian, after a gap of two years. “Although the magazine was supposed to be brought out annually, one edition has been published since Ravenshaw College was elevated to the status of a university in 2006,” said a teacher involved in the production of the magazine.

There are also plans to organise a national-level seminar and exhibition on November 6 on the 125th birth anniversary of Kaka Kalelkar, a Gandhian patriot, social reformer, historian and educationist.

“I am really excited about all the activities lined up. It would be a great opportunity to interact with the eminent personalities,” said Rajashree Kundu, a student of business administration.

Piyush Patnaik, a student who is representing the university team in the cricket match, said: “We have been practising for the upcoming match since last week. It would be a great occasion to play against the former students.”

Students are also thinking of giving a warm farewell to vice-chancellor Devdas Chhotray, who would retire at the end of this month. “This would be the last foundation day celebrations for our VC and we want to make it special for him,” said Srikant Parida, president of the students’ union.