NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen on preserving and promoting the Endangered Musical Instruments of India.

In a discussion with eminent classical singer Soma Ghosh, who is the adopted daughter of the late shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, Modi said he was very happy that the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan had started from the Assi Ghat.

He wanted Ghosh to take the centenary celebrations to the rest of the country and the world.

He also discussed how Banaras and India’s Heritage can be preserved and promoted.

Ghosh said that Gandharva Kokila is an exceptional exponent of music in the field of Indian classical singing in India.

Ghosh later added that she was highly moved with the care and concern shown by Modi for Indian Arts, Culture and Music.

Modi related an incident from his younger days when he was impressed by a musical technician in Gujarat who would not only repair musical instruments, but scientifically improve them and make them better than before. On becoming Prime Minister, he went looking for the technician to award him, only to find he had passed away five years earlier.

Modi had initiated a Museum of Endangered Musical Instruments in Gujarat.