Chandigarh, February 2 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Pandit Jasraj Ji was a ‘Swar-Surya’ of Indian classical music whose personality illuminated not only the country but the entire world. He said today’s day will always be remembered as a golden chapter in the history of Indian classical music.
The Chief Minister was addressing the state-level programme organized under the Sant-Mahapurush Samman Evam Vichar Prasar Yojana at village Pili Mandori in Fatehabad district on the 96th birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri and Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj Ji. On this occasion, he unveiled the statue of Pandit Jasraj Ji and paid tributes to the brave martyrs at the Martyrs’ Memorial.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that before coming to this programme, he met Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi in the morning and informed him about this event. The Prime Minister sent his “Ram-Ram” to the people of Haryana and paid tributes to Pandit Jasraj Ji.
The Chief Minister said that from this sacred stage, he bows to the great personality of Pandit Jasraj Ji. He said that it is a matter of pride that along with Pandit Jasraj Ji’s birth anniversary, the fourth anniversary of the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation is also being celebrated today. The foundation was established in 2022 by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. This institution is doing commendable work in preserving Pandit Jasraj Ji’s classical music legacy and passing it on to the new generation. The Chief Minister appreciated the dedication of Madhura Jasraj, Durga Jasraj and all office-bearers of the Foundation.
The Chief Minister said that Pandit Jasraj Ji was not just a great artist but a living institution himself. Born in 1930 in village Pili Mandori in a reputed musical family, he lost his father at a very young age, but despite adverse circumstances, he never allowed his spiritual musical pursuit to weaken. Under the guidance of his elder brother Pandit Maniram Ji, he undertook rigorous practice, which remains an inspiration for youth even today.
The Chief Minister said that through his lifelong devotion to music, Pandit Jasraj carried the cultural essence of his native village across the globe. His classical music resonated even in the icy landscapes of Antarctica, reflecting the universal appeal of Indian music. He said Pandit Jasraj was the first Indian artist to have performed on all seven continents, an achievement that continues to be a matter of pride for the entire nation.
The Chief Minister said that Goddess Saraswati resided in Pandit Jasraj Ji’s voice. He spread India’s rich musical heritage across the world and received numerous national and international honours for his unparalleled contribution.
Haryana’s Soil – A Land of Immortal Musical Tradition
The Chief Minister said that Haryana has a strong musical tradition, and the heritage of Phaag, Dhamal and Raag-Raginis is still very much alive. He said that due to the influence of artists like Pandit Jasraj Ji, villages in Haryana have been named after classical ragas like Asavari, Dhanasari, Bilawal and Bhairavi.
Government Committed to Cultural Preservation
The Chief Minister said that no society can progress by forgetting its culture. Keeping this in mind, the state government has established a university in memory of Pandit Lakhmi Chand Ji and a Multi-Art Cultural Centre in Kurukshetra. Every year, the International Gita Mahotsav is organized.
He said that several initiatives have been taken to make Pandit Jasraj Ji’s memory eternal. As per announcements made on January 28, 2023, two grand entrance gates, a park and a gymnasium have been constructed in village Pili Mandori in his name. A library named after his father late Sh. Moti Ram Ji is in its final stage of construction, and beautification work of village ponds is also underway.
Encouragement to Emerging Artists
The Chief Minister said that today Haryana provides a conducive environment for art, culture and literature. Various schemes are being implemented to support artists. Free training is being provided to emerging artists at the Pandit Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts in Rohtak and the Multi-Art Cultural Centre in Kurukshetra.
He said that Haryana’s identity lies in its glorious cultural heritage and communal harmony. This shared legacy gives a message of coexistence and brotherhood. Though Pandit Jasraj Ji is not physically present today, as long as the sound of ‘Om’ resonates in the universe, his melodies will remain alive.
Addressing the programme, former MLA Sh. Dudar Ram said that Pandit Jasraj Ji is the pride of this region and took Indian classical music to international platforms. He said that such state-level programmes inspire the younger generation.
He placed several public interest demands before the Chief Minister related to Fatehabad Assembly constituency, including a permanent solution to waterlogging, strengthening the Hisar-Ghaggar drain, upgrading Bhattu sub-tehsil to a full tehsil, and construction of farm access roads. He thanked the Chief Minister for celebrating Pandit Jasraj Ji’s birth anniversary in Fatehabad district.
Durga Jasraj expresses gratitude to government
Pandit Jasraj Ji’s daughter and founding trustee of the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation, Ms. Durga Jasraj, thanked the Chief Minister, state government and district administration, saying that the foundation is continuously working to carry forward her father’s musical legacy to future generations.
During the programme, renowned bhajan and classical singer Padma Shri Anup Jalota mesmerized the audience with his musical performance. The venue echoed with applause as listeners enjoyed his rendition.
Development Announcements for Bhattu and Pili Mandori
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced the establishment of a new ITI in Bhattu Mandi, construction of a 33 KV power sub-station in Pili Mandori at a cost of about ₹9 crore, reconstruction of a veterinary hospital building at a cost of ₹40 lakh, and grants of ₹11 lakh each for the construction of Scheduled Caste and Backward Class community halls in Pili Mandori. He also directed that the proposal to upgrade Bhattu Kalan sub-tehsil to a full tehsil be placed before a committee for feasibility assessment.
He further announced ₹21 lakh for installing a solar system and expansion of the library named after late Sh. Moti Ram Ji. Additionally, Cabinet Minister Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa and Rajya Sabha MP Sh. Subhash Barala also announced ₹11 lakh each for installing a solar system in the library.
Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Rajya Sabha MP Sh. Subhash Barala, former minister Sh. Devender Singh Babli, former MP Smt. Sunita Duggal, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh. Virender Singh Badkhalsa, Haryana Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Prof. Ravinder Baliala, and programme organizer O.P. Maliya was present on the occasion.
