Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar's 103rd birth anniversary celebrated on April 7

Today, on April 7, the 103rd birth anniversary of Pandit Ravi Shankar, a renowned sitar player and composer, is being commemorated. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in promoting Indian classical music on a global scale. His collaborations with musicians from various parts of the world helped to popularize Indian music among Western audiences. In recognition of his contributions to music, he was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, by the Indian government in 1999.

Early Life

Pandit Ravi Shankar (1920-2012) was an Indian musician and composer renowned for his exceptional skill in playing the sitar. He began his musical journey as a young boy under the guidance of his guru, Allauddin Khan, and went on to become a prolific composer and performer, blending Indian classical music with Western music styles.


Shankar gained global recognition in the 1960s, collaborating with Western musicians such as George Harrison of The Beatles, and introducing Indian classical music to Western audiences. He received several awards and honors for his contributions, including the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna.

He passed away at 92, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Awards for Pandit Ravi Shankar

Padma Bhushan (1967): Recognizes distinguished service of a high order in any field in India, and is one of the country's highest civilian honors.

Padma Vibhushan (1981): The second-highest civilian award in India, awarded to individuals who have made exceptional and distinguished service to the nation in any field.

Kalidas Samman (1986): Madhya Pradesh government's prestigious arts award for outstanding achievement in the field of Indian classical music.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987): The highest Indian recognition given to practicing artists. It is conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Pandit Ravi Shankar received honorary doctorate degrees from several universities, including the University of Delhi, the University of York, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Grammy Awards: Shankar was a four-time Grammy Award winner, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, posthumously.

Bharat Ratna (1999): Pandit Ravi Shankar received the highest civilian award in the country for exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, and science, and in recognition of public service of the highest order.

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador: In 1999, Pandit Ravi Shankar was appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

FAQs

Q1. Has Pandit Ravi Shankar received Bharat Ratna?
A1. Yes, Pandit Ravi Shankar was awarded Bharat Ratna.

Q2. Was Pandit Ravi Shankar UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador?
A2. Pandit Ravi Shankar is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.