Sur Jyotsna Awards Honour Classical Music Legends

The 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards was held in New Delhi, celebrating excellence in Indian classical music and honouring veteran artists for their lifelong contribution. This year, renowned Hindustani vocalists Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit received the prestigious recognition for their dedication to preserving and promoting India’s classical music traditions.

Purpose of the Sur Jyotsna Awards

The awards were instituted in memory of Jyotsna Darda, founder of Lokmat Sakhi Manch, to recognise excellence in Indian music and encourage emerging talent. Every year, artists are selected from vocal and instrumental categories, creating a platform that supports both established masters and young musicians. The initiative aims to preserve India’s rich musical heritage while inspiring future generations.

Grand Ceremony in New Delhi

The event was organised at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi and was presented by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta. The ceremony opened and concluded with performances by singer Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa Live. Several prominent public figures attended, including Union ministers Ramdas Athawale, Shripad Naik and S P Singh Baghel, along with former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Message on the Importance of Music

Lokmat Media Group Editorial Board Chairman Vijay Darda highlighted the spiritual and emotional power of music during the ceremony. He noted that Indian classical music carries a deep soul and helps people connect with peace and divinity. He also remembered Jyotsna Darda’s close bond with music, stating that her vision inspired the creation of this platform for nurturing young talent.

Important Facts for Exams

• Hindustani classical music is the North Indian tradition of Indian classical music, while Carnatic music is the South Indian tradition.
• Dr Ambedkar International Centre is a major conference and cultural venue located in New Delhi.
• Kailash Kher is known for blending Indian folk, Sufi and contemporary music styles.
• Classical music awards often help preserve intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO frameworks.

Nationwide Reach of the Awards

This year, the Sur Jyotsna Awards were organised across nine cities including Nagpur, Yavatmal, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru and New Delhi. The wider outreach reflects the organisers’ effort to celebrate diverse musical traditions across India and make classical music accessible to larger audiences beyond metropolitan centres.