ICCR Jammu organises ‘Classical Sitar Recital’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: Under its fortnightly Horizon Series, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Ministry of External Affairs organised a Sitar Recital by the eminent Sitar Maestro O N Raina here at K L Sehgal Hall, today. 
O N Raina was accompanied on Tabla by another eminent artist of the State K.L. Verma. This classical instrumental recital was a presentation of Sarswati Sangeet Kala Mandir, Jammu.
In his welcome address Regional Director of ICCR, Balwant Thakur said that council feels privileged and honoured in showcasing  the Sitar Recital by O.N. Raina whom he considers the legendary and towering figure in the field of music. He further informed that ICCR started its fortnightly programme ‘Horizon Series’ on 31st of July, 2012 and has been regularly bringing before the art lovers a variety of programmes ranging from folk to classical and contemporary. The prime objective of Indian Council for Cultural Relations is to bring the people of various nations together through cultural initiatives and assured to present series of international performances in Jammu soon.
The star attraction of today’s programme O.N. Raina is one of the eminent musicians of the State who hails from a family of distinguished artists.
In today’s recital, he was accompanied by Tabla maestro Krishan Lal Verma.  Mr.Verma retired as senior instructor (HoD) from Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu and  now working  as Principal of Bhartiya Lok Kala Sansthan (Bhatkhande Sangit Vidya Pith, Lucknow Affiliated).
Today’s programme primarily focussed on O N Raina’s classical concert and he played ‘Madhumaat Sarang’ Raag and unfolded its multi layers. Those who graced this heart rendering programme included Savita Bakshi Additional Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Praduman Singh, Khalid Hussain (All members of the Regional Advisory Committee of ICCR), Prof. B. S. Bali, Kailash Mehra, Suraj Singh, Renu Sehgal,  Ravi Sharma and Deepali Wattal.  The programme was ably conducted by Anil Tickoo and was the presentation of Saraswati Sangeet Kala Mandir, Jammu.