India has been known to be a vibrant land of art and culture through the ages, with Music being an intrinsic part of this vivacity. It holds the distinction of being the only country in the world with 2 diverse & extremely rich traditions of Classical Music, viz. Hindustani and Carnatic. History is witness to the fact that Indian Classical Music has stood the test of time – hundreds of years have passed with it being in existence. The origins of this form of Music are found in our ancient scriptures, traditions and the Vedas, passed down through generations. An inheritance of glory and pride.
The History
The inception of our music is “Om” – which is but a kriya of breathing, followed by its presence in the Vedic doctrine of Samaveda. It is also believed that melody started with Krishna’s Bansuri and Rhythm started with Lord Shiva’s Damru. It is further believed that the 5 fundamental raags, based on Panchtatva, are created by Lord Shiva and Raag Malkauns which symbolises the soul – Atma, is created by Mata Parvati. Our music is deeply entrenched in spirituality and the scriptures, which still resonates through it.
Traditional Music forms a very important and inherent part of India’s National Heritage, Art and Culture –essentially the most common way of celebrating and connecting with Culture and Traditions.
Pandit Jasraj ji in current times, is one such doyen of Music, whose firm conviction in the wisdom of our ancient knowledge, brought the Sanskrit scriptures written by Jagat Guru Adi Shankaracharya, Vallabhacharya, Shlokas, Maha Mantras and many other powerful scriptures to regular Music Concerts worldwide, overcoming language barriers with his Divine Voice.
The Maestro
The impact his belief and his music has had on audiences across the world is universal – audiences were often left in raptures with tears rolling down their eyes, feeling the presence of Lord Krishna amongst them, and voices echoing in unison with “Om NamoBhagwateVasudevay” or “Govind DamodarMadhaveti” or “Mata Kalika”.
Pandit Jasraj ji became the first musician to take “Haveli Sangeet” or “Pushti Margi Sangeet” from Lord Krishna’s temples to the masses across the world and single-handedly made it popular. We believe that this was destined by Lord Krishna himself or else the impact it has had is just unimaginable!
His music is spiritually elevating, serves as a remedy for stress and is also known to have healed ailments. Many Doctors and hospitals have experimented with his music, and amongst the beneficiaries are patients and their families with innumerable experiences to share, which today stand as testimony to this power of his music.
The Distinction
Amongst all the creations of music in India there are many genres in Hindustani Classical Music such as Khyal, Dhrupad, Thumri, Dadra and others… although, it is not clearly documented who specifically created these. Over the last century, Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji is probably the only musician who created a new genre. It signifies Gender Equality amongst male and female musicians, as they present 2 different Raags in 2 different octaves while creating melodious music together. Through Pandit Ji’s relentless efforts this genre today has become extremely popular and is performed across both Hindustani and Carnatic Classical Musicians. Music lovers in Pune quite aptly named it “Jasrangi”.
The Legend & Legacy
His entire musical journey and eternal legacy has positives which heal the mind, body and soul. We strongly feel, like Yoga, our traditional music and especially Pandit Jasraj ji’s music should be showcased and popularised in all its elements and glory, collating its various creative elements and presenting them in a contemporary manner without diluting the core.
It is indeed a mammoth & delicate task, which will be the Creative compass of the Foundation.
The Foundation has been setup as a tribute to the Legend and to carry forward the Legacy. It is a sincere attempt to make a positive impact on the rich & diverse Traditional Cultural Heritage of our great country, and to build it up as a proficient and profitable sector.
