Visually impaired music scholar honoured with state award

Dr Rajesh Sharma, head of the department of visual and performing arts at Guru Nanak Dev University, has been conferred with the state award for his contribution to the field of music by the Council of IAWC, approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.

A well-known figure in Punjab’s music education circles, Dr Sharma is a visually impaired academician and musician who has led the university’s department of music for 20 years. He is widely respected for his contributions to music education and research, often cited as an inspiring example of perseverance and excellence in Indian classical music. Over the years, he has guided numerous students, organised music workshops and concerts, and worked tirelessly to promote accessibility and inclusivity in higher education.

This is the second time Dr Sharma has received the state award, having been honoured previously in 2013. Specialising in Indian classical and devotional music, he has composed over 200 classical pieces under the pen name ‘Krishna Rang’. He has also released a series of ‘Gurbani kirtan’ recordings, reflecting his belief that Amritsar is divinely blessed to nurture generations of talented musicians, artists and actors.

“Amritsar has always been a hub for music and the arts. It has produced creative stalwarts in every generation. The city continues to nurture musical talent across genres and a new generation of young artistes in ‘Gurbani’, ‘kirtan’ and devotional music is carrying this legacy forward,” he said.

Dr Sharma’s research on ‘Haveli sangeet’ — a devotional form of classical music — has earned him several accolades and brought renewed awareness to this traditional ‘bhakti’ genre. According to his research, it is a rare form passed down orally through generations of “Bhats”, or temple musicians. “Devotional music has many forms, and while traditionally ritualistic in nature, it also integrates classical music and ‘ragas’ to create a unique lyrical expression of devotion,” he explained.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh, praised Dr Sharma for his achievement and lauded his efforts in strengthening music education and awareness at the university.

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