A Musical Tribute to the Legendary Pandit Rajan Mishra
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Pandit Rajan Mishra left the mortal world on April 25, 2021. Pt. Ritesh Mishra, the President of RASIPA (Rajan Sajan Misra Institute of Performing Arts) organised the 4th Shradhanjali concert in the memory of his father and Guru, Late Pt Rajan Mishra, the doyen of Banaras gharana, and one of the greatest vocalists of Hindustani classical music, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Delhi, on April 25, 2025.
The event was inaugurated by Pt. Sajan Mishra, the younger brother of Pt. Rajan Mishra of the famous Rajan-Sajan Mishra duo, and Pt. Ritesh Mishra, the son of Pt. Rajan Mishra and President, RASIPA. After the ceremonial lighting of the lamps, the evening commenced with paying tribute to the late Pandit ji. The students of RASIPA sang “Dhar Dhyan Guru Charnan Ko,” an apt composition for the occasion. Their melodic and well-coordinated performance created a sober and solemn atmosphere to begin the evening.
It was followed by the sarod recital of Sh. Smit Tewari. He has been learning to play sarod from his father, Sh Chandra Shekhar Tewari and Pt. Suprabhat Pal of the Maihar gharana. He was accompanied by Sh. Mithilesh Kumar Jha on the tabla. He began his performance with Raga Shudh Kalyan. Sh. Smit Tewari and Sh. Mithilesh Kumar Jha weaved the magic, showing perfect coordination between sur and taal. Sh. Smit Tewari displayed his mastery over the raga and complex layakari. He won appreciation for his approach towards music while developing the raga.
The final performance of the day was given by Vidushi Smt. Manjusha Patil. She was accompanied by Pt. Vinay Mishra on the harmonium and Pt. Vinod Lele on the tabla. The charming Manjusha Patil has learnt music from stalwarts such as Pt. Chintubua Mhaiskar, Vishushi Shubhada Paratkar and Pt Vikas Kashalkar. Presently, she is honing her skills and talent under the tutelage of Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar. She began her performance with Raga Bihag, which was followed by Raga Sohni. Her performance was marked by her well-seasoned voice and enchanting exposition of the raga. She captivated the audience with her mellifluous and melodic rendition of the ragas. She concluded her performance by singing an Abhang. A singing virtuoso, she displayed her range to sing high notes and intricate taans with ease. The audience spontaneously gave her a standing ovation at the end of her performance.
What could have been a better way to remember the maestro, who could mesmerise with his musical brilliance and captivate the audience with his sensitive and aesthetically rich approach to music, than by organising a musical evening? It was a perfect way to remember the maestro. The event was successfully curated by Mrs. Bhavya Mishra under RITBHAVI Production and very well hosted by Radhika Mishra, the granddaughter of Pt. Rajan Mishra ji. The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Pt. Ritesh Mishra, President, RASIPA.
