On the occasion of Basant Panchami, Akashvani launched ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’, a new radio series aimed at introducing the diverse world of Indian classical music to listeners across the nation.
Jointly presented by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the public service broadcaster Akashvani, ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’ premiered on February 1 at 9:30 AM and will be aired daily until February 16. The series will be broadcast simultaneously across 21 stations throughout India, ensuring extensive coverage of nearly every region of the country.
The event was formally launched at the Pt. Ravishankar Music Studio at Akashvani’s Broadcasting House, with a floral offering to Goddess Saraswati, the revered goddess of knowledge and arts.
The series was digitally inaugurated by Aruneesh Chawla, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, amidst a standing ovation from the gathered audience. In his keynote address, Dwivedi reflected on the historical and enduring impact of Akashvani as a platform for cultural exchange and how this new venture could help foster creative partnerships and open new avenues for collaboration.
In her welcome address, Director General of Akashvani, Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur, highlighted the celestial significance of Basant Panchami this year, noting the rare confluence of Saraswati and Lakshmi as the spring season begins. She spoke about the ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’ series, which aims to bring India’s classical music to the forefront through this collaborative effort. Expressing her optimism, she hoped that the series would prove to be a fruitful initiative for all involved.
Chawla elaborated on the vision behind the collaboration and the need for preserving performing arts in the age of artificial intelligence. He emphasized the importance of engaging the next generation in such projects as a means of conservation and preservation. He further stated that the Ministry of Culture was eager to expand this joint effort to further enhance cultural awareness.
The launch event also featured live musical performances, adding to the festive atmosphere of Basant Panchami. The audience was captivated by a Saraswati Vandana, followed by a vocal rendition in Raag Basant. The performance of Raag Des on the Sarod left everyone in the studio spellbound, highlighting the depth and beauty of India’s classical music traditions.
