The city of Mumbai witnessed a serene and significant cultural event as the tenth edition of Bhimaanjali unfolded at the Ravindra Natya Mandir. This annual pre-dawn gathering, dedicated to honouring the ideals of Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar through Indian classical music, marked a full decade of its existence on December 6, 2025.
A Decade of Dawn and Devotion
Organised by the Rashtranirmata Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Vicharak Samiti under the guidance of Harshdeep Kamble, principal secretary of the social justice and special assistance department, Bhimaanjali has carved a unique niche. The event began at 6.00 a.m., drawing a captivated audience of musicians, scholars, students, and arts enthusiasts. Over the past ten years, it has earned a reputation for its reflective ambience, where music serves as a medium for unity and introspection in the tranquil morning hours.
Stellar Performances Illuminate the Morning
The milestone edition featured a lineup of esteemed artists representing diverse classical traditions. A standout performance was the sitar recital by Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan of the Imdadkhani gharana. His playing, distinguished by a rich vocal style known as gayaki ang, masterfully blended complex improvisation with lyrical depth. He enriched his performance by incorporating verses from poets like Kabir and Amir Khusro, adding a layer of thoughtful inclusivity.
Other luminaries who graced the stage included flute maestro Pandit Rupak Kulkarni, who delivered expressive passages with profound melodic sensitivity. Violinist Pandit Atul Kumar Upadhye impressed with an innovative approach, fusing Indian classical traditions with select Western techniques. Pandit Sridar Parthasarathy showcased his dual command over vocal music and the mridangam, creating a vibrant cross-traditional dialogue filled with rhythmic richness. The performances were elegantly supported by the tabla accompaniment of Pandit Mukesh Jadhav.
More Than a Concert: A Legacy of Harmony
Reflecting on the occasion, the Honourable Minister of Social Justice, Shri Sanjay Shirsat, emphasised that Bhimaanjali was envisioned as more than a concert series. Its core purpose is to create a space where artists across traditions and generations converge, using music as a powerful medium for dialogue and social harmony.
The event's broad appeal was evident in its diverse audience, which included people from various professional and cultural backgrounds. Over its decade-long journey, Bhimaanjali has hosted legends like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Dr N Rajam, Pandit Ronu Majumdar, and Ustad Sultan Khan. Each edition has provided a platform for their art to resonate as a form of remembrance.
As the final notes faded into the Mumbai morning, attendees departed with a shared sense of tranquillity and contemplation. The tenth Bhimaanjali successfully reaffirmed its role as a vital cultural celebration, one that continues to honour Dr Ambedkar's enduring legacy through the unifying spirit of India's classical music heritage.
