Honoring the Devotee of Nadbrahma with the SwarYogini Dr. Prabha Atre Classical Music Award

Pt. Ramdas Palsule honored with the SwarYogini Dr. Prabha Atre Award by Ganavardhan and Tatyasaheb Natu Foundation

Pune: “The award in the name of SwarYogini Dr. Prabha Atre, a radiant star in the world of music, is a priceless honor that links the rich Indian classical tradition with my own musical journey. For me, music is not just an art but my breath, my very life of devotion and practice. This award increases my responsibility further, and I pledge to continue my dedicated pursuit of music with utmost sincerity to uphold this lofty tradition and tirelessly strive to pass on this invaluable heritage to future generations,” said internationally acclaimed tabla maestro Pt. Ramdas Palsule.

Ganavardhan and Tatyasaheb Natu Foundation jointly presented the SwarYogini Dr. Prabha Atre Classical Music Award to Pt. Ramdas Palsule on Saturday (20th). He expressed his sentiments during his felicitation. The award was presented by veteran classical vocalist Dr. Ajay Pohankar and renowned author-thinker Achyut Godbole. Also present on the dais were Tatyasaheb Natu Foundation President Sharang Natu, Ganavardhan President Dr. Dayanand Ghotkar, and Secretary Dr. Vasanti Brahme. The award comprised ₹50,000 in cash, a shawl, and a citation. The ceremony was held at Tilak Smarak Mandir.

“Dr. Prabha Atre was a great artist who embodied purity, devotion, and innovation in music,” Pt. Palsule noted. “She was not just a singer but a true university of music — a researcher, author, and an inspiring guru. She worked tirelessly to pass on the legacy of Indian classical music to the next generation. The energy in her singing continues to inspire and delight listeners. Without the values instilled in me by my gurus, my music would have remained incomplete. I dedicate this award to my family, friends, fellow artists, audience, and well-wishers.”

Presiding over the ceremony, Pt. Ajay Pohankar said, “Dr. Prabha Atre and I shared a bond of more than 50 years. Pt. Ramdas Palsule is not only an exceptional performer but also shaping the next generation of musicians. His guru, Talayogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, nurtured every disciple with fatherly love and imparted deep values. On this occasion, I presented Dr. Atre’s favorite raga Marwa for the audience.”

Achyut Godbole remarked, “I was fortunate to share close association with Dr. Prabha Atre. Beyond the Kirana gharana, her contribution to the world of classical music was immense. It is a matter of great joy that in her name, a tabla maestro and researcher like Pt. Ramdas Palsule is being honored.”

In the preface, Dr. Dayanand Ghotkar highlighted the purpose of the award given by Ganavardhan and the Tatyasaheb Natu Foundation. “As melody and rhythm are two inseparable aspects of music, it is fitting that this year the award is conferred upon Pt. Ramdas Palsule, which has earned wide appreciation in the music community.”

Sharang Natu, Trustee of Tatyasaheb Natu Foundation, said, “This honor is conferred every year with the objective of preserving classical art, Indian culture, and social values. This is the 14th year of the award, and by honoring Pt. Ramdas Palsule, a devotee of Nadbrahma, we are also honoring the entire tradition of percussion.”

Dr. Dayanand Ghotkar and Sharang Natu welcomed the dignitaries. The citation was read by Dr. Vasanti Brahme, and the ceremony was compered by Savita Harshe.

To mark the occasion, a special musical concert was organized. The evening began with young santoor player Ninad Daithankar, who enthralled the audience with Raga Puriya Kalyan. This was followed by a vocal recital by Aarti Thakur-Kundalkar, senior disciple of SwarYogini Padma Vibhushan Dr. Prabha Atre. She commenced with Raga Champakali, rendering the vilambit ektaal bandish “Mora man laga”, followed by a drut Ada Chautaal tarana. She later presented a drut Teentaal bandish “Ab na karo gumaan” with vigor, concluding with the soulful Bhairavi “Jao jao mose karo na barjori”. The program concluded with a solo tabla recital by Pt. Ramdas Palsule in Raga Teentaal, which received thunderous applause. He was accompanied on harmonium by Suyog Kundalkar.