Sitarist promotes classical art among kids

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, March 25

Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY ), which has mushroomed into a global circle of students, is bonded by a determination to restore a love for heritage. SPICMACAY is engineering a small cultural revolution not by pressure, but by exposure on hundreds of campuses in India.

Shubendra Rao, a composer and sitar artiste and Jaidev, a tabla player, performed at an event organised by SPICMACAY here today. Rao apprised students about sitar and its construction in an intimate interaction with students at Mount Litera School here today. He said the only way to promote classical art was to share the experience by word of mouth. While emphasizing on constant hard work and dedication, he said one could achieve definite success. The motive of organizing the event was to acquaint students with the diminishing classical art and tradition. While thanking guests present on the occasion, director of the school, Manjot Dhillon, said such classical events were necessary for saving the identity, promotion of classical art and transcending all cultural barriers.

Rao’s compositions have elevated the craft along with scrapping off the conventional boundaries of art and culture. A regular performer, he holds a grade A status on the All India Radio roster. He is empanelled by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations both as a performer and a guru. He has also collaborated with musicians across genres like Pipa Master, Gao Hong, Jazz guitarist Freddie Bryant from New York, legendary singer Ryoko Moriyama from Japan and many more to contrive notes that bridges the gap between different cultures.