Padma Shri  Dr N Ramani became the first recipient of the ‘Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia Puraskar’ award instituted by Gurukul Pratishthan.

The flute maestro from Tamil Nadu was given the award- comprising a certificate, momento and prize money of Rs 25,000- by Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia himself at the ‘Bansuri Utsav’ concert on 19 January.

Radioandmusic.com, in a tete-a-tete with Thane based Gurukul Pratishthan founder & flautist Vivek Sonar unearthed the reasons for instituting the Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia Puraskar and why Dr Ramani was chosen as first among equals to received the award.

Excerpts:

What is the idea & purpose behind the 'Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia Puraskar' award?

Panditji’s contribution to preserve the rich legacy of Indian classical music is immense. He has been bestowed with the title of ‘Padma Vibhushan’ – one of the highest civilian awards. With his blessings and support we could take the Bansuri Utsav to a different level. The newly instituted 'Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia Puraskar' award is a way to honour and offer gratitude for his continuous support and blessings to ‘Gurukul Pratishthan’.  The award is meant to applaud those who have been preserving, practicing and propagating Indian classical music. Dr N Ramani is the first recipient of the award.

Why was Dr. N Ramani selected as the first recipient of the award?

For more than seven decades Dr N Ramani has been performing at Indian and international music festivals. He introduced the base flute in Carnatic music in the 1960's. He  also introduced extraordinary techniques of playing fast 'swaras' with 'gamakas'; very melodious blowing techniques and has mastered a beautiful tonal quality on the flute.

He has selflessly taught flute to several student for over 30 years both in India and abroad. Additionally, as a composer, has composed many 'Pallavis’, ‘Thillanas’ and several rhythmic patterns. He has been honoured with several awards, like the 'Sangeet Natak Akademi’ Award and the 'Padmashri' from the Union Government of India. Hence, he was chosen as the first recipient of the ‘Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Puraskar’ this year.

What is the current state of Indian classical music- It is having enough patrons, audience and institutional support? Any plans for a festival in lines of some many music fests in place now?

Classical music has evolved through the centuries. Indian Classical music especially has a different influence over the listener’s mind. Film music is a different ball game. Yes, classical music does get appreciation and support from the audience. Yet, it has to be spread some more in the youth brigade. The Bansuri Utsav too, was started with an aim to attract the youth towards Indian classical music. Now, as we enter the 6th year, we plan to organize the ‘Flute Symphony’ across India and the globe.

Are there possible stalwarts or virtuosos in the current crop of young Indian classical musicians?

Becoming a virtuoso is a journey. It is premature to predict at his stage and perhaps unnecessary. There are quite a few of them who are promising and may pass the test.

What are the qualities, apart from talent, that set apart Pandit Chaurasia and Dr N Ramani from their peers?

Stalwarts from all fields of art be it classical music or any other medium, have served the art to the best of their abilities. Each one has a unique ability. Any comparison between them is a futile exercise.