“Divine Moments,” a musical concert, was held at The Romanti Auditorium of Bharatitya Vidya Bhavan in New York.
Honorable Consul General Ambassador Mr. Randhir Jaiswal Ji greeted the audience and talked about Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s accomplishments in promoting and preserving the arts, culture, and heritage of India and talked about Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav being celebrated worldwide. His speech was followed by words from Dr. Navin Mehta, Padma Shri Dr. H.R. Shah, Kenny Desai, Dr. Parveen Chopra, and Dipak Shah. Sudhir Vaishnav emceed the event and the vote of thanks was given by Minesh Patel.
Padmabhushan and Grammy Award winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, accompanied by internationally renowned Tabla Maestro Pt. Subhen Chatterjee, enthralled the audience with a mesmerizing musical performance. Pandit Ji started by singing a Ganesh Vandana and asked the audience to join him in a very devotional bhajan. The first half of the program was fully classical where Pandit Ji played several classical Ragas on Mohan Veena. In the the second half of the program, Pandit Ji played light classical pieces, thumris, & ghazals. Pt. Bhatt regaled the audience with a very popular ghazal, “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo” at the request of Pt. Chatterjee. The renowned musician then played his famous song form his Grammy award-winning album, “A Meeting By The River.” Both artists blended well with their jugalbandi and provided a memorable musical experience for everyone who was fortunate to attend. Pt. Bhatt ended the concert with “Vande Mataram,” paying tribute to our motherland India.
‘Falu’ Falguni Shah, who has her own band and is a sought-after singer, was recognized at the event for her recent Grammy win for Best Children’s Album, “A Colorful World.”
Pandit Bhatt was felicitated by the Consul General and the Board of Directors of the Bhavan with a hand-painted portrait specially created by artist Manoj Vyas for the occasion.
The event ended with the audience taking pictures with the artists and followed with a sumptuous dinner for all.
