Delhi— The India International Centre (IIC), Delhi, resonated with soul-stirring melodies and captivating rhythms on the evening of 30th January, as Aikyam 2, a classical and contemporary music festival, unfolded from 5 pm to 9 pm. Organised by Santoor Ashram in collaboration with Play On, the event celebrated the harmonious meeting of genres and generations, offering audiences a rare chance to witness a confluence of India’s storied musical heritage with evolving contemporary expressions.
The festival showcased an illustrious line-up of stalwarts, including Padmabhushan Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Padmashri Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya, Pt. Salil Bhatt, Shri Jai Shankar Mishra, Ms. Sneh Lata Mishra, Rishi Raj Mishra, Pt. Prosenjit Poddar, Pt. Mithilesh Jha, Pt. Abhishek Mishra, Sanket Joshi, and talented students from the Abhinayakshetra School of Bharatnatyam, New Delhi.
Proceedings began with a serene Saraswati Vandana rendered by the upcoming music students of JMS School of Music, setting a devotional tone for the evening. This was followed by energetic solo tabla recitals by the young maestros Rishi Raj Mishra and Sanket Joshi, drawing appreciative applause from the nearly full-house audience.
Dance then took centre stage as the students of Abhinayakshetra School of Bharatnatyam, guided by Guru Sutapa Guha, presented a graceful performance blending rhythm, storytelling, and intricate footwork.
The evening’s crescendo built as Padmashri Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya enthralled audiences with a sublime Santoor recital, accompanied with finesse by Pt. Mithilesh Jha and Pt. Prosenjit Poddar on the tabla. Closing the night on a high note, Padmabhushan Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt teamed up with his son, Pt. Salil Bhatt, in a spellbinding jugalbandi, supported masterfully on tabla by Pt. Abhishek Mishra. Their performance earned a standing ovation — a testament to the audience’s deep appreciation.
Beyond the artistry, *Aikyam 2’s* unique strength lies in its cross-genre, cross-generational format — designed to appeal both to connoisseurs of Hindustani classical music and younger audiences discovering its timeless beauty.
Reflecting on the initiative, Prithwiraj Roy, Secretary of Play On, emphasised the festival’s social mission: “Preserving our rich cultural heritage must go hand in hand with nurturing the next generation of artistes. Many deserving, underprivileged musicians lack platforms and resources. Aikyam 2 is our effort to ensure they receive opportunities to learn, perform, and be seen by an august audience.”
With its blend of tradition and innovation, Aikyam 2 stood out not just as a concert, but as a heartfelt tribute to India’s musical diversity — and a promise to keep its flame burning for generations to come.
