MUMBAI: Pandit Bhajan Sopori, the Legendary Santoor Maestro and Music Composer, was felicitated by �Sumadhur Hansadhwani' on the occasion of its 2 day festival titled �National Integration Through Music'. The festival featured recitals by Smt. Shanno Khurana (classical vocal), Ust. Asad Ali Khan (Rudra Veena), Smt. Sumitra Guha (classical and regional vocal) and others. The 2 day festival was witnessed by dignitaries like Smt. Gursharan Kaur, Sh. Vasant Sathe, Prof .R. Azad, Pt. Vijay Shankar Mishra, Ust. Sujjat Khan, Abhay Rustum Sopori and others.

Pandit Bhajan Sopori was honoured for his lifetime service to the field of classical music and Indian culture. He was felicitated by presenting him with a memento, shawl and bouquet. Pt. Sopori in his speech thanked the organization and appreciated its efforts in contributing towards strengthening the culture of Delhi.

Pandit Bhajan Sopori is regarded as the cultural bridge of the State of Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of the country, and is hailed as the Saint of the Santoor... and the King of Strings... for being the pioneer in establishing the Santoor on national and international platforms. His style of playing called the �Sopori Baaj' is acclaimed as the most distinctive style of playing Classical Santoor.

A highly learned person, Pandit Bhajan Sopori combines a profound knowledge of music and musicology. He has led the revival of Sufism to spread the message of humanism amongst the masses. He has composed almost 5000 songs in different languages with various patriotic songs of India which have been received as master pieces and major musical hits of the country like �Bharat Bharat Hum Iski Santaan', �Hum Honge Kaamyaab', �Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna', �Vijayee Vishwa Tiranga Pyaara', etc. His compositions bear the distinctive stamp of his virtuosity and erudition and have featured some of the most eminent musicians of the country.

Pandit Bhajan Sopori has used his Santoor and his compositions to highlight the concept of oneness and foster unity enshrining the idea of national integration, humanism and peace amongst the common man and the youth in particular. For his enormous contributions, he has received numerous awards including the prestigious Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Academy Award, J&K State Award, National Flag Honour of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Delhi Ratan Award, Delhi Telugu Academy Award, Beenkar Samman, Sangeet Vibhuti Award, Sangeet Ratna Award, etc. He was recently awarded the prestigious National Dogri Sanstha Award by the Governor of J&K for his immense contribution to the Jammu culture and the Dogri language.