training that provided him a strong traditional base of raga-sangeet combining both the gayaki and tantrakari styles in his instrument. His recitals demonstrate a high technical virtuosity. His intricate layakari, Chandkari and speedy taan patterns running through three octaves and melodious alaap leave a scintillating effect on the listeners.

For his enormous contribution in the field of Hindustani classical music, he is hailed as the “Saint of Santoor” and the “King of Santoor”.

A highly learned person, Pandit Bhajan Sopori did his Masters both in Santoor and Sitar besides having Masters degree in English literature. He also studied Western classical music at the Washington University, USA. Panditji’s research on sound and his instrument, Santoor, is remarkable. Pharmaceutical companies have released his albums on ‘sound therapy’. One of the highly commended albums which have had tremendous effects on the listeners is ‘Naag Yoga on Santoor’.

Panditji is a widely travelled person, having propagated Indian classical music and culture all over the world and creating interest for the Indian classical music amongst the general public, specially the youth.

Panditji, a music director of repute, is the only classical musician of India having composed music for more than 4000 songs in almost all the languages of the country including Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, etc.
He has directed music for films, commercials, documentaries, serials, operas, chorals, orchestras, etc. He has been the youngest composer to compose for the National Orchestra (Vadya Vrinda).

He has revived and re-composed the INA songs for national integration and unity of the country. He has composed Anti-Terrorist songs for different television networks and ‘All India Radio ‘ like ‘”Savdhan”, Mere Jannath Mere Kashmir”, etc. Some of his very popular songs, which are loved by the people of all age groups have been sung by almost all eminent playback singers. These include: “ Hum Hoonge Kamyab”, “Bharat Bharat”, “Hum Iske Santan”, “Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja”, “ Sarfaroshi Ke Tamanna”, “ Vijayee Vishva Tiranga Pyara”, “ Vande Matram”, “ Bharat Ke Beti”, Naman Tujko Mera Bharat”, etc. and “ Saare Jahan Se Aachaa” whuch has been sung and played by various eminent Clasical musicians of the country. His instrumrntal version of “ Vande Matram” leaves a soothing impact on the listerners.
His Religious Hymns and Vedic Chanting of Shlokas, Mantras, Naats, Guru-bani, etc. are unparalleled like ‘Mahamritunjaya’, Durga Kavach’, Surya Upasana’, etc. His recitals and compositions have proved to be a trendsetter in North Indian musical scenario of the country.
Pandit Bhajan Sopori has composed and introduced three new Raga’s: Raga LALALESHWARI, Raga PATWANTI and Raga NIRMALRANJANI.
After 13 years of militancy in the valley, he is the only Classical Musician to go back to Kashmir to revive the Indian Classical Music amongst the masses by his concerts in the state.

For his contribution to the field of music, he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Award( 1993), Delhi Telgu Academy Award, Akashwani Annual Awards, Abhinav Kala Samman, Punjab Sakha Award, Shardha Samman, Shiromani Award, Kala Yogi Award, Delhi Ratan Award, Distinguished leadership award, Shree Bhatt Kirti Award, and Beenkar Award.He was honoured at Golden Jubliee celebrations of AIR (Srinagar) for his contribution to Kashmiri music and also honoured with the National Flag of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Like fast food
One canot help wondering why a musician with such a terrific track record and loads of honours and awards had not so far given a thought to utilize his talent in the film industry too. Asked if he would now give a thought to composing music for films, Panditji tells me during a chat ‘upto now I had never given a thought to compose music for films, but considering the deterioration that has set in and indeed the scope for improvement, now I won’t mind considering film projects where I can contribute my knowledge of music and talent without compromising my self-respect. More so, as I feel that bad music is more dangerous than an atom bomb. It can do harm to generations of people.”

Who are some of the music directors in the film industry whose music you liked? Panditji says “I liked the work of Anil Biswas, Naushad, Madan Mohan, Vasant Desai, and Khayyam. They are well-versed in classical music and gave raga-based music unlike most of the younger music composers of today whose work is like fast food and is, consequently, short-lived.

What, in his opinion, is the particular strength of Indian classical music and how would he contribute to it? ‘The variety and richness one finds in Indian classical music is not found in the music of any other country. As for as my contribution is concerned, I would also contribute, among other things, the rich folk music of Kashmir valley.

P.S.- As we are going to the press, we heard the welcome news that Shri Bhajan Sopori has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri. Our Heartiest Congratulations to him.