Melodies of memory: Tribute to a musical maestro

A culturally rich book release ceremony celebrating the literary and musical contributions of Late Dr Rajendra Singh Gurung was held at Gorkha Bhawan, Shyam Nagar, Dharamsala. Organised jointly by Master Mitrasen Sahitya Sangeet Sabha Bhagsu and Sangeetnjali Kala Kendra Society, the event marked the official release of two of Dr Gurung’s works: “Master Mitrasen: Multidimensional Personality and Krititva” and “Lok Sanskar Geet”.

Presided over by eminent folk scholar Dr Gautam Vyathith, with former Mayor of Dharamsala, Devendra Singh Jaggi as the chief guest, the evening featured literary reflections, soulful performances and heartfelt tributes. Distinguished guests included Sadhana Nepali, Ravindra Singh Rana and noted speakers Prof Chandrarekha Dhadwal and Dr Janmejaya Guleria.

Musical tributes by Dr Gurung’s disciples and an evocative audio-visual presentation added emotional depth to the ceremony. The book “Lok Sanskar Geet”, preserving Kangra’s traditional songs, was hailed as a cultural treasure. Dr Janmejaya shared his fond memories, “I am indebted to Guru ji for his guidance during my thesis. The musical Pahari notations in research papers were finalised under his supervision.”

In a moving conclusion, Suman Gurung, wife of Dr Gurung, expressed gratitude, describing the event as a sacred moment of remembrance. The evening not only honoured Gurung’s enduring legacy but also reaffirmed his role in the preservation and celebration of Himalayan folk heritage.

His legacy lives on through his disciples like Akhil Kumar, now in the HP Police band, who continues to echo his timeless melodies in Himachali vales. He vividly remembers year 2013, when Dr Gurung mesmerised the audiences in Dharamsala Government College with a soul-stirring Pahadi rendition of “Kapdeyan Dhoan Cham-Cham Roan Kunjua” in Raga Pahadi. Nature itself seemed to sway with his flute in Dhauladhar hills-the grace of Kangra region. As a disciple of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasiya, Gurung blended classical mastery with folk soul.