Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : DEVGANDHAR School of Music, in association with Prakriti Sparsh Foundation, organised a vibrant cultural programme titled “Vivek Utsav 2026,” to commemorate the 163rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The event was held on Saturday, 17th January 2026, at the Rani Rashmoni Auditorium, Dakshin Delhi Kalibari Association, New Delhi.
The programme was presented by the students of Devgandhar School of Music, with the enthusiastic guest participation of the children from the Ichchhe Bitan group.
Devgandhar School of Music, founded by renowned singer, composer, and music director Debu Bhattacharjee, has established itself as a premier institution dedicated to excellence in classical and light vocal music training. With a strong foundation in tradition and a contemporary approach to performance, the school nurtures voices with care, discipline, and artistry. What sets Devgandhar apart is its expert vocal training and comprehensive instruction, with a particular emphasis on voice culture and modulation, ensuring that learners develop both technical mastery and expressive depth. Beyond its role as a training ground for aspiring musicians, the institute actively contributes to society through cultural and social initiatives. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Devgandhar successfully organised several national-level online events, bringing together artists and audiences across the country in a spirit of resilience and creativity. Today, the school warmly invites music lovers, learners, and patrons to associate with its mission and be part of a meaningful journey toward a richer cultural and social future.
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Prakriti Sparsh Foundation, a registered Trust in New Delhi under the Indian Trusts Act, is driven by the profound belief that the Earth is a living entity and that all forms of life—humans, animals, birds, plants, and trees—are deeply interconnected. The foundation emphasises that when nature suffers, every being is impacted, and when nature is healed, collective well-being is restored. Guided by this philosophy, its mission is to foster harmony, balance, and wellness in both the environment and society through compassionate, sustainable, and holistic practices.
Swami Vivekananda, a pioneering figure in Indian spirituality, held a deep appreciation for music, particularly Hindustani classical music. He regarded music as a powerful medium for spiritual expression and self-realisation. Interestingly, Vivekananda was also a skilled Pakhwaz player, often incorporating rhythmic beats into his spiritual gatherings. He believed that music served as a universal language, bridging cultural divides and uplifting the soul. His love for music reflects his holistic approach to spirituality, which embraces art and culture as paths to self-discovery. Vivekananda often emphasised music’s vital role in meditation and spiritual practices, using it to evoke emotions and connect with the divine. He encouraged the use of music to spread spiritual and social messages, showcasing his comprehensive approach to life.
The programme “VIVEK UTSAV 2026” celebrated the life, philosophy, and enduring legacy of Swami Vivekananda through a rich blend of music and artistic expressions. The student artists, inclined towards cultural enthusiasm, participated in the event, presenting performances inspired by Vivekananda’s ideals of spirituality, nationalism, and universal brotherhood.
The event was presided over by eminent Saraswati Veena maestro S. Radhakrishnan. The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of knowledge and harmony. This was followed by the soulful recitation of the Gayatri Mantra- “Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha”—invoking divine blessings, and the Ganpati Bandana—“Vakratunda Mahakaya”—seeking the grace of Lord Ganesha for wisdom and auspicious beginnings. The opening segment was beautifully presented by four young talents from the Ichchhe Bitan group: Asmita Satpathi, Anuska Satpathi, Pravhat Kumar Jana, and Shreyansh Mukherjee, whose voices set a serene and devotional tone for the event.
Musical Presentations:
Students of the Devgandhar School of Music offered soulful and deeply moving renditions of devotional and patriotic compositions inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Their repertoire included powerful pieces such as “Jayatu Vivekananda,” “Bir Senapati Vivekananda,” “Ke Tumi Swami Gyani Shirmani,” and the Ram bhajan “Prem Mudita Manse Kaho.”
The solo mridangam performance by the young artist Arjun Arvind was truly outstanding, showcasing remarkable rhythm and technical finesse.
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Madhurita Banerjee, a solo vocalist and a senior student of the School, rendered the Bengali devotional song “Nahi Surya, Nahi Jyoti” composed by Swami Vivekananda, followed by a soulful Kabir bhajan, captivating the audience with her expressive singing.
The program also featured a tabla solo performance by Suhani Shandilya, of the school, which was both energetic and engaging, reflecting her strong command over rhythm and tempo.
Among the guest performers, the child artists of Ichchhe Bitan presented a selection of Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti, namely Mahabiswe Mahakashe, Sakatore Oi Kadiche Sakole, and Khelicho e biswa loye, which greatly enthralled the audience.
These soul-stirring musical tributes beautifully captured the fire, wisdom, and spiritual vision of Swami Vivekananda—the monk who awakened India’s soul and ignited a renaissance of strength, self-belief, and human values. Rendered with devotion and artistic excellence, the Bengali compositions deeply resonated with the audience, leaving hearts inspired and minds uplifted.
The auditorium witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of dignitaries, scholars, and members of the community, who lauded the organisers for curating a meaningful tribute that connected India’s cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression. The event aimed to inspire the younger generation by highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-belief, service, and harmony. The program was skillfully anchored by Nabanita Chatterjee.
The atmosphere was filled with an air of devotion and enthusiasm. The audience responded warmly to each performance, often joining in with applause and encouragement. The presence of respected guests and community members added dignity to the occasion, while the children’s energy brought vibrancy and hope.
On the occasion, Director Debu Bhattacharjee emphasised the significance of the Vivek Utsav. He stated, “Children were at the heart of the program, embodying the guiding force of our musical journey. Their presence and participation gave the event its true meaning, reminding everyone of Swamiji’s vision of nurturing young minds as the future of our nation.”
He further explained, “Melody itself is divine. God represents punctuality, a pure and uncluttered mind, and a peaceful stream of thought. Through literary and musical reflection, we must progress toward the new while keeping in mind our established and appropriate traditions.”
The celebration concluded with a collective prayer for unity, strength, and compassion—values that Swami Vivekananda championed throughout his life. The gracious presence of attendees inspired and encouraged the performers, making the occasion truly meaningful and memorable. Vivek Utsav 2026 stood as a testament to the continuing relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and reaffirmed the commitment of Devgandhar School of Music and Prakriti Sparsh Foundation to promoting cultural awareness and social values through the arts. The program was organised to celebrate and uphold the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, and will remain a symbol of new hope and light in the heart of Delhi.
