A Musical Tribute to Lata Mangeshkar Organized by JKAACL and IMFA at KL Saigal Hall, Jammu

Jammu, 15th October 2024: The J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), in collaboration with the Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA), Jammu, organized a soulful musical tribute to the legendary singer of the century, Smt. Lata Mangeshkar, at K.L. Saigal Hall, Jammu. This event marked a heartfelt homage on the 95th birth anniversary of the iconic Indian nightingale.

The event was graced by eminent personalities from the art and academic world. Chief Guest, Prof. B.S. Bali, former Principal of IMFA Jammu, shared his personal experiences with Lata Mangeshkar, reminiscing about her unparalleled dedication to music, her humility, and her timeless voice that continues to inspire generations. Prof. Bali’s insights captivated the audience as he highlighted how Lata ji’s voice shaped the golden era of Indian music and left an indelible mark on Indian culture.

Guest of Honour, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Special Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, applauded the efforts of IMFA for organizing such meaningful programs that not only preserve the cultural heritage but also inspire young talents. He commended the initiative as a beautiful fusion of music and fine arts, creating a fitting tribute to a legend who was the epitome of both.

The program was conceived by two notable figures from IMFA: Sh. Rakesh Sharma, Head of the Department of Fine Arts, and Sh. Suraj Singh, Head of the Vocal Department. Their vision and dedication brought together music and visual art to pay homage to Lata ji in a multifaceted manner.

A highlight of the event was the series of performances by students from the vocal department of IMFA. Young talents, including Mahi, Arti, Arpana, Nirmal, Rahul, Sohail, Aradhya Sharma, Shivani, Aarav, Divansh, and Priyanshu, showcased their vocal prowess, singing melodies popularized by Lata Mangeshkar. Their performances were a testament to the fact that Lata ji’s music continues to inspire young artists.

The main attraction of the evening, however, was the mesmerizing performances by established vocalists, including Sh. Suraj Singh, Dr. Deepali Watal, Roshi Samnotra, Jasmeet Kour, and Juhi Singh. Their soulful renditions of some of Lata ji’s most memorable songs touched the hearts of the audience, transporting them to the golden age of Indian music. These vocalists were expertly supported by a talented group of instrumentalists, with Vijay Anand on Dholak, Amit Anand on Tabla, Andrew on Synth, and Aarav on Guitar, creating a perfect musical symphony.

In addition to the musical tribute, the students of the Fine Arts Department paid homage to Lata Mangeshkar through an exhibition of portraits. Each portrait, thoughtfully created, captured the grace and soulfulness of Lata ji, further enhancing the event’s tribute to her legacy. This was the third such program organized by IMFA, continuing its tradition of honoring great figures of Indian culture.

The program was conducted by Barkat, who kept the audience engaged with insightful commentary and seamless transitions between performances. The event saw a strong turnout, with several prominent individuals from the art and cultural community in attendance, including Sh. Brij Mohan, Bahadur Singh, Sunil Raina, Kamal Sharma, Dr. Amarjeet Singh, Palak Gandotra, Rachita Dutta, Jasleen Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sh. Rajeev Sharma, who expressed gratitude to all participants, guests, and the organizing team. He extended special thanks to Ms. Harvinder Kour, JKAS, Secretary, JKAACL, for her unwavering support and leadership, which made the event possible.