Kathak Virtuoso Pt. Rajendra Gangani Mesmerises St. Thomas’ School

Shimla, August 13 – St. Thomas’ School, Shimla, in association with SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth), hosted a spellbinding Kathak performance by internationally acclaimed maestro Pandit Rajendra Gangani of the Jaipur Gharana. Accompanying him were Kishore Kumar on tabla,Vinod Gangani on vocals, and  Ravi Sharma on sarangi.

Renowned for his innovation and technical brilliance, Pandit Gangani – recipient of the 2003 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – began his training at the age of four under his father and guru, Pandit Kundanlal Gangani. Over the decades, he has captivated audiences from London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall to the Festival of India in the former Soviet Union.

The event was graced by eminent personalities, including production designer and film personality Lalit Bhardwaj, theatre stalwarts Rupesh Bhimta, Vikas Gautam, Sejal, and Taruna Mishra, along with music students from Himachal Pradesh University.

Engaging with students Jiya, Priya, Shagun, and others, Pandit Gangani emphasised that art knows no gender and is a spiritual discipline that demands dedication. He expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Principal Vidhupriya Chakravarty, Vice-Principal Sharon Nanda, and the school community.

Associated with SPIC MACAY since 2008, St. Thomas’ School continues to champion cultural heritage by regularly hosting performances by celebrated artists. Principal Chakravarty reiterated the school’s commitment to nurturing art and thanked the media for their support.