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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Bharat Ratna for Pandit Bhimsen Joshi

The Indian Government announced Bharat Ratna award to renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

Bharat Ratna, (The Jewel/Gem of India) is India's highest civilian award. The award is conferred as a recognition of highest degree of national service.

Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi was born on February 4, 1922 in the small town of Gadag district of Karnataka. His father was a school teacher.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was trained under famous guru Sawai Gandharva. Over the next few years, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi went on to become the greatest musician in the contemporary Hindustani music.

In commemoration of his Guru, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi started an annual classical musical festival called the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival. This festival is held in Pune every December.

The Bharat Ratna award is a true recognition of this great singer’s service to Hindustani Classical music.

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