Table of Contents
Bismillah Khan
Ustad Bismillah Khan was born on 21 March 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar. His original name was Qamaruddin later he named as Bismillah Khan. His mentor was Ali Baksh ‘Vilayatu’, who was a well-known shehnai player. In a very short period of time Bismillah became a perfectionist of shehnai. He devoted his whole life to music. Despite achieving great fame all over the world he always remained attached with his roots.
In 1937, the concert at All India Music Conference in Kolkata brought shehnai into the limelight. He monopolized shehnai concert in the Post- Independence Era. He kept alive the classical music with his recitals. He had a great belief in Hindu-Muslim Unity and through his music he spread the message of brotherhood. He always said that only music could join all humans because music has no caste.
In 1947, on the eve of India’s Independence, Bismillah Khan mesmerized the citizens of India playing his shehnai. He also performed at the Red Fort, Delhi; since that year he had been playing his shehnai on 15th August every year right after the Prime Minister gave his speech.
He performed in many countries and had a large number of fan following. He started performing live in USA, Bangladesh, Iran, Japan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Canada, Europe, West Africa and Hong Kong.
Ustad Bismillah Khan was undoubtedly a gem of India. He has been awarded all the top civilian awards namely Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Padma Vibhushan; was conferred the Bharat Ratna award in 2001. On 21 August 2006 he died at Varanasi.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
