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Bhubaneswar, August 10: The 84th birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi was celebrated at Rabindra Mandap Wednesday. The commemorative musical programme included his compositions such as ‘Yahi Madhava’, ‘Kisa Laya’, ‘Dhara Samire’, ‘Naja Radhika’, and ‘Ago Chandrika’. Pandit Raghunath was known for his compositions based on Jayadev’s ‘Gita Govind’.
A host of vocalists of spanning generations gave recitals at the programme organised by Sanjukta and Raghunath Panigrahi Culture Heritage Foundation. Pratibha Dash, a young vocalist, presented compositions such as ‘Kisa Laya Sayanatare’ and ‘Manija Monamohana’ set to raag Bhairavi and raag Kalyani respectively.
“These songs from ‘Gita Govind’ describe the love of Krishna and Radha,” Pratibha, a student of BJB Autonomous College, explained.
She is among the many students inspired by the veteran singer. “Guru Raghunath made each composition unique. I have listened to many of his songs and find them beautiful and powerful. I believe, if a young singer listens to his compositions, she can sing any kind of song,” the Plus III second year student of botany says.
Singers Dr Adyasha Das, Sushmita Das, Roopak Parida, Dr Mitali Chinara, and Debasish Mohapatra were among the others who sang at the function.
The repertoire of Adyasha, herself a student of Pandit Raghunath, included songs such as ‘E Akhi Nai Re’ and ‘Mu Je Abhinaya Karipare’. “His creativity and use of Alankaras were amazing. I have had the privilege to learn from him and I was deeply inspired by his work and personality,” Adyasha said of her guru.
Sushmita and Roopak presented the songs ‘Nali Nali Krushna Chudha’, ‘Ago Chandrika Jaoni’ respectively. Parida also sang the song ‘Kholo Akhi’, a popular composition of Pandit Raghunath.
Guru Keshaba Chandra Rout, who was among the audience at the programme found the presentation admirable. “The singers have understood the raags and the tempo perfectly. Guru Raghunath is still alive among us,” the exponent said.
“Pandit Raghunath had dedicated his life to Indian classical music, singing and composing classical and light classical masterpieces. He was the first Oriya singer to be honoured by the French government,” Keshab Chandra said.
Pandit Raghunath was born at Gunupur in Rayagada. He created a unique style of singing the ‘Gita Govind’ and gave numerous renditions at Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri. He also worked to promote and popularise ‘Gita Govind’ around the world.
At 19, he sang playback for the NT Rama Rao starrer Telugu film ‘Ilavelpu’. He also acted in the Telugu film ‘Jayabheri’. The maestro has also composed music and for several Oriya films.
