Padma Shri Awardee Malini Awasthi Shines at the 150th Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan

Recently, the 150th historic Baba Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan was ceremoniously inaugurated at the Shri Devi Talab Mandir complex in Jalandhar. The event reached new heights when Padma Shri folk and classical singer Malini Awasthi mesmerized the audience with her powerful, emotional, and soul-stirring performance.

Chairman of the Sammelan Speaks

The conference was presided over by the Governor of the state. Addressing the gathering, he said that for the past one and a half centuries, this music festival has played a vital role in keeping the flame of traditional Indian music alive. He further stated that he felt honored to be part of the 150th historic edition of this world-renowned music festival.

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Emphasizing the importance of introducing the younger generation to such cultural celebrations, he said that these festivals reflect the essence of India’s rich cultural heritage. He added that it is a matter of pride that Jalandhar has been hosting one of the world’s oldest classical music festivals for nearly 150 years, providing a global platform to emerging artists while promoting Indian classical music.

Malini Awasthi Remembers Her Guru

This stage was especially emotional for Malini Awasthi. She recalled that her guru, Padma Bhushan awardee Vidushi Girija Devi, had delivered historic performances on this very sacred stage. Malini Awasthi’s singing was not merely music, but a living bridge connecting tradition, the younger generation, and the cultural heartbeat of the Doaba region. Every bandish and folk song resonated with the echoes of heritage.

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BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s Statement

BJP Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur was also present at the event. He described the Baba Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan as the “Mahakumbh of Music.” He said, “If a great artist has not performed on this stage, it is as if they have not taken a dip in the Kumbh. If there is any Mahakumbh of music, it is the Baba Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan.” He described this platform as a remarkable confluence of Indian art, culture, and literature, where the cultural soul of the nation comes alive.

Concern Raised Over the Bangladesh Issue

During the event, Anurag Thakur also spoke about the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. Referring to the killing of an Indian citizen, he called the matter serious and sensitive, and stated that the central government would soon present its clear stance on the issue.

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On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Agarwal, Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur, Punjab’s Advisor for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali, Harballabh Sabha Chairman Sheetal Vij, and Harballabh Sabha President Poornima Berry were also present at the event.