As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, ITC Ltd. and the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC-SRA) present Desh Ek Raag 2 — a musical tribute rooted in Hindustani Classical Music and inspired by Raag Desh. Enriched by collaborations with Indian classical dance forms, the presentation celebrates the nation’s spirit, diversity, and cultural heritage.
For over four decades, ITC-SRA has preserved and propagated Hindustani classical music through the age-old Guru-Shishya Parampara. This tradition, where Gurus and Shishyas live and learn together, ensures that the purity of the art form is passed down with integrity across generations.
Speaking about the initiative, Sanjiv Puri, Chairman, ITC Ltd., shared on LinkedIn: “On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, it gives me immense pleasure to present Desh Ek Raag 2, a tribute to our beloved Nation. Anchored on the Desh Raag, this musical video captures the timeless grace, the unwavering spirit and the unity that binds all of us together as one Nation. Beautifully crafted by the Gurus and scholars of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, this musical rendition celebrates the tradition of Guru Shishya parampara, where Gurus and scholars live, learn and nurture Hindustani classical music. Desh Ek Raag 2 has expanded the creative expression through collaborations with other art forms like classical dance and has seamlessly blended western instruments with Indian melodies. I hope all of you will watch, enjoy and share this video as we dedicate ourselves with pride to preserving the rich cultural heritage of our country. Wishing all of you a very Happy Independence Day!”
ITCSRA Guru Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty said, “Desh Raag is that unifying thread that weaves our beloved country’s enormous beauty, unmatched diversity and timeless traditions. Music truly embodies the confluence of transcendental art forms – songs, music and dance. Over the decades, ITCSRA, with the patronage of ITC, has been a pioneer in training disciples in different Hindustani classical musical forms including instrumentals and vocal. For Desh Ek Raag 2, ITCSRA collaborated with revered dance gurus and their shishyas representing some of the most famous Indian dance forms from across the country. This year’s initiative truly brings together all the key elements of musical art to pay a tribute to the Nation through the age-old Guru-Shishya Parampara.”
Music Director Shri Abir Hossain, who composed the piece, said, “It has been a true honour to work once again on this very special project Desh Ek Raag 2 for Independence Day. This is my second time creating music for such a meaningful occasion for ITC Sangeet Research Academy and I am deeply grateful to both ITC Ltd & ITCSRA for entrusting me with this enormous responsibility once more. This year, I chose to bring together a completely new team of fresh faces, talented young Scholars, faculty members and other musicians alongside Gurus, veteran artistes and tutors, each contributing their unique artistry and passion to the project. Their energy and commitment have made the experience of creating it even more inspiring. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to ITC Ltd and ITC SRA for their unwavering support and encouragement. Projects like these remind me how powerful music can be in uniting people and expressing the spirit of our nation in the most time-tested as well as contemporary terms at once.”
This year’s performance expands creative expression by including classical dance traditions such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Kathak, choreographed by eminent gurus Rama Vaidyanathan, Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, Sharmila Biswas, and Aditi Mangaldas, along with their disciples. The composition, based on a Tarana by Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, also integrates western instrumentation alongside Indian melodies, performed with contributions from Gurus and scholars of ITCSRA, tabla legend Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, and Sarangi maestro Sarwar Hussain.
Directed by Chandrasish Ray and recorded at ITCSRA’s Kolkata studio, Desh Ek Raag 2 carries forward ITC’s credo of ‘Nation First: Sab Saath Badhein’, blending tradition with contemporary artistry as a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of India.
