Lack of government aid hits Sitar music concerts

Hubballi: The field of sitar music is facing a grave crisis here though music legend Ustad Rahimat Khan had left an indelible mark in the minds of music lovers in South India more than six decades ago.

Lack of proper encouragement has hampered music activities in Dharwad which is known as the abode of Hindustani classical music. Sitar Ratna Rahimat Khan Samiti, which has been organising concerts in memory of the legendary musician, is struggling to mobilise financial resources.

Rahimat Khan had stayed in Dharwad while returning to Gujarat after music performance in the presence of Mysuru emperor in 1912. He had also started a music school, Bharatiya Sangeetha Vidyalaya to impart training in sitar music to budding music artistes in the city. Due to this, the sitar which was considered a music instrument of North Indians, came to be used by South Indian musicians also. Several music lovers have formed a committee to conduct a sitar workshop and concert after the legendary musician passed away. But, the committee depends on private donors as funds released by the Kannada and culture wing are meagre.

“We are conducting sitar concerts by inviting musicians of national repute in December every year since 1982 in memory of Rahimat Khan. We are finding it difficult to mobilise the funds as we are not getting adequate financial aid from the government. The music will not reach the common people and it will not attract students if we commercialise it. The government has paid a mere ' 3 lakh though we have spent more than '25 lakh during the mega event to mark the 60th death anniversary of the sitar maestro”, said Sitar Ratna Rahimat Khan Samiti president Raghavendra Ayi.  

There is also an inordinate delay in release of grants forcing the committee to raise loans. Music lovers have submitted a proposal to the government seeking permanent financial aid for smooth functioning of the sitar concert every year. They feel such a move will help to continue the music tradition in future.
 

 

 

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