DPS Sgr hosts Indian classical music concert

Srinagar, Aug 23: In a magnificent tribute to the classical music heritage of India, Delhi Public School Srinagar Saturday became a venerable stage for a sublime classical music concert. The school leadership expressed its profound delight and immense pride in hosting an event of such cultural significance on its campus. Presented by Benu Heritage in collaboration with the esteemed Sopori Academy of Music and Performing Arts (SaMaPa), the event was graciously supported by the corporate social responsibility initiative of Matrix Freight Systems Pvt. Ltd.As per a statement issued, the cultural gathering was honoured by the august presence of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, who attended as the Chief Guest. He was joined by a host of distinguished dignitaries, including the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar. The event was also graced by the leadership of the collaborating organizations, including Padmaja Chakraborty, Chairperson of Benu Trust, and Prof. Aparna Sopori, Chairperson of SaMaPa. Also in attendance were Vijay Dhar, Chairman of DPS Srinagar, Principal Shafaq Afshan, faculty and students.The proceedings commenced with a poised welcome by student anchors from Class 8, followed by the serene school prayer. The concert unfolded with a soul-stirring vocal recital by Dr. Ojesh Pratap Singh, which set a contemplative tone for the day. Following the formal welcome of the Lieutenant Governor and the playing of the National Anthem, students of Grade 4 delivered a graceful and disciplined performance in a classical raag, a testament to the school’s integrated arts pedagogy. The auditorium was then captivated by the virtuosity of Santoor maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori, whose performance was a masterclass in skill and emotion. The grand finale featured an evocative and mesmerising flute recital by the legendary Pt. Chetan Joshi, which left the audience spellbound. A significant moment of the ceremony was the felicitation of the artists, conferred by the Lieutenant Governor and the Chairman. Sadhna Srivastav also presented felicitations on behalf of Benu Heritage, recognizing the immense contribution of the performers to the world of classical music. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by the school, followed by the National Anthem. Vijay Dhar, Chairman of DPS Srinagar, said: “It is a profound honour for DPS Srinagar to welcome maestros who are the living custodians of India’s classical tradition. Encounters like these are not mere events; they are formative experiences that sow the seeds of cultural appreciation and create lasting inspiration for young minds. This collaboration reaffirms our unwavering commitment to a holistic, culture-centric education that shapes not just scholars, but sensitive and enlightened individuals.”  Shafaq Afshan, Principal of DPS Srinagar, added, “To see our students perform with such grace on the same stage as these luminaries is a powerful validation of our pedagogical approach. We extend our deepest gratitude to Benu Heritage and SaMaPa for this exceptional partnership. By bringing living heritage directly to our campus, they have not only enriched our cultural environment but have also immensely bolstered our students’ artistic confidence and connection to their roots.” The event stands as a landmark in the school’s cultural calendar, successfully forging a bridge between legendary artists and the next generation of patrons and performers.