ITC Sangeet Research Academy Celebrates 150 Years of Vande Mataram with ‘Desh Ek Raag 3’

To mark India’s 80th Independence Day, ITC Limited has honored the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram with a soul-stirring musical tribute titled ‘Desh Ek Raag 3’. Produced by the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC SRA), the composition is anchored in the traditional Raag ‘Desh’. The production serves as a heartfelt homage to a song that stands as a timeless symbol of national pride, unity, and awakening, while showcasing ITC’s enduring commitment to preserving India’s rich Hindustani classical music heritage.

Leadership and Vision:
ITC Chairman Mr. Sanjiv Puri, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for ITC SRA, unveiled the creation on LinkedIn. He highlighted that the rendition beautifully captures the vocal and instrumental traditions nurtured by the Academy over nearly five decades. The project serves as a key milestone in ITC SRA’s journey toward its Golden Jubilee, scheduled for 2027.

The Guru-Shishya Parampara in Action:
At the core of the presentation is the Academy’s traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara. The video features a distinguished ensemble of nearly 70 participants, bridging generations of classical music talent. Notable maestros, including Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, and Vidushi Subhra Guha, performed alongside young scholars like 11-year-old Baibhab Mukhopadhyay. This collective effort highlights how artistic sensibility and discipline are seamlessly passed down through immersive, one-to-one training within the Academy’s residential environment.

Production and Series Background:
The special rendition was composed by ITC SRA Guru Shri Abir Hossain and recorded at the Academy’s state-of-the-art studio, with direction by independent filmmaker Pritha Chakraborty. Desh Ek Raag 3 continues a successful cultural series that began on India’s 78th Independence Day. Previous editions have garnered millions of views, firmly establishing the series as a unique platform that connects the spirit of the nation with the profound depth of Indian classical traditions.