The rhythmic beats of the pakhawaj, tabla, and violin, combined with the mesmerizing performances of over 700 singers and musicians, created a truly unforgettable experience for the thousands of attendees at the ‘Vandan Bharat Matela’ event.
This groundbreaking event, organized for the first time in India by MAEER's MIT World Peace University and MIT Arts, Design, and Technology University, took place at Vishwarajbaug in Loni Kalbhor. It brought together more than 700 talented singers and musicians to pay musical tribute to the birth centenaries of the legendary Raj Kapoor and Lata Mangeshkar. In addition to its cultural significance, the program provided a spiritual experience, offering a "vision of God and experience of Shantarasa through music."
The event began with the mesmerizing sound of the pakhawaj, one of India's most ancient instruments, performed by Pt. Uddhavbapu Apegaonkar. The audience was enthralled as hundreds of pakhawaj players performed in perfect harmony. Ganesh Tanwade’s tabla ensemble then took the stage, leaving the audience captivated with its rhythmic precision, in a performance dedicated to the late Pt. Zakir Hussain. Violinist Tejas Upadhye further enchanted listeners with his soul-stirring performance.
More than a hundred singers paid tribute to Raj Kapoor by performing iconic songs such as "Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo," "Mera Joota Hai Japani," and "Jis Desh Mein Ganga Bahti Hai." A moving dance performance was also presented, followed by a deeply emotional rendition of "Ai Mere Watan Ke Logo" by over 700 singers and musicians, leaving the audience in tears.
The evening concluded with bhajans and a collective Pasaydan from the Warkari sect, reinforcing the values of devotion and faith that are central to the MIT Institute’s philosophy.
Vishwadharmi Prof. Dr. Vishwanath Da. Karad, the Founder President of MIT WPU, expressed that the event, which provided a "vision of God and experience of Shantarasa through music," beautifully embodied the essence of Indian culture, tradition, and philosophy. "The program of greeting Bharat Mata brought inner satisfaction. Today, I have experienced God," he remarked.
The event also saw the presence of several distinguished guests, including MIT WPU Vice Chancellor Dr. R.M. Chitnis, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Milind Pandey, Dr. Sanjay Upadhyay, former Doordarshan Director Dr. Mukesh Sharma, and Adinath Mangeshkar, all of whom added to the occasion's prestige.
