Rishal Music Trust Announces Cultural Initiative ‘Lakshmi Meets Saraswati’ In New Delhi
The Rishal Music Trust held an uplifting press conference at the India International Centre in New Delhi to announce its latest initiative titled “Lakshmi Meets Saraswati”. The Trust was founded by Mr. Harvansh Chawla, a well-known lawyer and proponent of India’s rich cultural heritage with the aim of preserving, promoting, and empowering India’s classical and folk art forms through mentoring, recognition, and performance.
Before the project opens in December 2025, the event provided the media an insight into the Trust's vision. The evening began with a welcome by Ms. Monika Kapoor, founder trustee, and an overview of the Trust's goal to build enriching bridges between artists and patrons. The attendees celebrated the legacy of India’s artistry with a dazzling performance by National Award-winning artists Rajesh Prasanna and Rishab Prasanna to showcase the vastness of Indian classical music.
One of the most significant takeaways for the evening was the simultaneous launch of Dr. Jagriti Luthra Prasanna's book titled “Sufi Music: Through the Eye of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan” published under B. R. Rhythms. As a meaningful moment with beautiful imagery, 24 Padma Shri awardees and other eminent personalities unveiled 24 collected copies of the book, each tightly bound with a red ribbon to signify the interdependence of arts, mentorship-based higher education, and tradition that are essential to the Rishal Music Trust's beliefs.
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To further demonstrate its commitment to mentorship, the Trust announced that 12 of the Padma Shri awardees will serve as patrons and mentors, including: Vidushi Sumitra Guha (Vocalist), Vidushi Nalini and Vidushi Kamalini (Kathak Dancers), Pt. Ronu Majumdar (Flute), Ritvik Sanyal and Pt. Umakant Gundecha (Dhrupad Vocalist), Pt. Shivnath Mishra (Sitar), Pt. Bharti Bhandhu (Vocalist), Ustad Moinuddin Khan (Sarangi), Pt. Shashidhar Acharya (Chhau Dancer), Ustad Ghulfam Ahmed (Sarod), and Pt. Ashok Chakradhar (Poet).
While reflecting on Rishal Music, Mr. Harvansh Chawla stated, “Rishal Music Trust is a way to promote, fund and maintain Indian classical and folk traditions.” Ms. Monika Kapoor stated that it is the mission of the Trust to provide appropriate and sustainable engagement with artists, patrons and cultural institutions.
