Renowned Santoor maestro Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya expressed gratitude towards the Central government for awarding him the Padma Shri this year. He mentioned that the recognition would serve as inspiration for him to further dedicate himself to Indian classical music. Bhattacharya, known for his musical innovations, began learning the santoor at the age of four and believes in the power of music to bring peace and harmony to the world.
Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, a legendary figure in the world of santoor music, has contributed significantly by creating new ragas and playing styles. He is credited with inventing mankas for the santoor, enhancing its tuning accuracy. Born in Howrah district, Bhattacharya’s musical journey was influenced by his father, a sitar player, who played a pivotal role in his early training.
Reflecting on the honor of receiving the Padma Shri, Bhattacharya expressed his commitment to continuous learning and improvement in music. He emphasized that the award signifies the impact of his work on people’s hearts, motivating him to strive for excellence in his performances. Bhattacharya, who runs the Santoor Ashram in Kolkata, maintains a strong connection to his roots in Howrah.
Bhattacharya’s younger brother, Arun Bhattacharya, praised his dedication to music from a young age, highlighting his relentless practice and passion for various musical instruments. The Padma awardees for this year were announced by the Central government on the eve of Republic Day, with a total of 131 recipients across different categories. West Bengal has eleven awardees this year, all of whom are honored with the Padma Shri.
