Leaders attending the G20 Summit will be treated to a three-hour musical extravaganza representing India’s rich musical traditions. The event, called ‘Bharat Vadya Darshanam’ (India’s instrumental journey), will be performed by the ‘Gaandharva Aatodyam’ group and curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. The performance will feature 78 instrumentalists from across India, using a total of 92 instruments, including 34 Hindustani instruments, 18 Carnatic instruments, and 40 folk instruments. Furthermore, the programme will showcase some rare instruments such as Surbahar, Jaltarang, Naltarang, Vichitra Veena, Rudra Veena, Saraswati Veena, Dhangli, Sundri, Bhapang, and Dilruba.
The performance aims to exemplify India’s musical diversity and heritage. Sandhya Purecha, the chairman of the Sangeet Naatak Akademi, mentioned that the musicians will be grouped based on the type of instrument they play, and each group will perform one at a time. By doing so, the entire ensemble will showcase the incredible variety and richness of India’s musical traditions.
The artists have been rehearsing since August 31 in preparation for this grand musical showcase. They will also play the G20 theme song, which is titled ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and reflects the spirit of togetherness and unity among nations. The performance will culminate with the iconic song ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’. This song, composed by the legendary Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, first aired on Doordarshan (India’s national television broadcaster) on Independence Day in 1988. It was created to promote national integration and was widely celebrated for its message of unity in diversity.
Overall, the musical extravaganza at the G20 Summit promises to be a remarkable showcase of India’s musical heritage and cultural diversity. It will provide an opportunity for world leaders to appreciate the beauty and richness of Indian music, while also promoting the values of unity and harmony among nations. The event is expected to be a highlight of the summit, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees.
