Mumbai/ Kolkata, Dec 06th: The 54th ITC Sangeet Sammelan 2025, presented by the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC SRA) from 5th to 7th December, commenced with an overwhelming participation, drawing connoisseurs, music lovers and people from all walks of life from across India. Held on the Academy’s picturesque lawns, the inaugural session of the three-day festival showcased the depth, diversity and richness of Indian classical music, an artistic heritage ITC SRA has upheld for nearly five decades.The Sammelan featured an extraordinary lineup of legendary artistes, distinguished Gurus, accomplished accompanists and the Academy’s own rising Scholars, offering audiences a rare confluence of tradition, virtuosity and innovation.
This year’s festival was marked by a special moment of distinction, as ITC and ITC Sangeet Research Academy conferred the distinguished ITC Sangeet Samman 2025 upon legendary Parween Sultana, honouring her exceptional artistry, profound commitment, and enduring contribution to Indian classical music. Through this prestigious award, the Academy celebrated an artist whose voice continues to inspire generations and embodies the essence of Hindustani classical music traditions.
Since its inception in 1978, the ITC Sangeet Samman has recognised some of India’s most distinguished musicians, whose mastery has moved audiences and whose dedication has enriched the legacy of Indian classical traditions. The prestigious award celebrates a lifetime devoted to music, recognising stalwarts who have not only upheld the glory of their Gharanas but have also carried the essence of Indian Classical Music to listeners across the world. This year, Parween Sultana joins this illustrious lineage of legends such as L. Subramaniam, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Zakir Hussain, N. Rajam, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Swapan Chaudhuri, and Ulhas Kashalkar all of whom are recent recipients of this extraordinary honour.
A Line-Up that Celebrated the Best of Indian Classical Music
The 2025 edition of ITC Sangeet Sammelan has a compelling line-up of performances across three days. Some of the musical luminaries performing in this year’s ITC Sangeet Sammelan include Parween Sultana, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Subhra Guha, Uday Bhawalkar and Ranjani & Gayatri in vocal, Nayan Ghosh on Tabla, some of the Academy’s extraordinary Scholars such as Kalyan Majumdar in sitar and Pranjal Ghatak on flute, among many other stellar musicians.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Saradindu Dutta, Executive Director & Trustee, ITC SRA, said, “The ITC Sangeet Sammelan is a celebration of continuity—of knowledge, discipline and artistic devotion. The 2025 edition once again demonstrated the depth of India’s classical music tradition and the Academy’s unwavering commitment to nurturing exceptional talent. It is our privilege to honour the musical legend – Parween Sultana ji with the coveted ITC Sangeet Samman this year.”
ITC SRA: A Pillar of Classical Music for Nearly Five Decades
Founded in 1977, the ITC Sangeet Research Academy stands as one of the country’s most respected institutions dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Hindustani classical music. With its unique residential Gurukul model and full scholarships for students, the Academy continues to train outstanding talent under the guidance of distinguished Gurus. The academy nurtures Gurus and Shishyas in a residential, immersive learning environment, ensuring the purity and authenticity of the art form across generations. Today, ITC SRA houses more than 40 scholars in its sprawling Kolkata campus and in Pune.
With its 50-year milestone approaching in 2027, ITC SRA remains committed to strengthening India’s cultural legacy through performances, research, education and nationwide outreach.
