On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, ITC Limited has released Desh Ek Raag 3, a musical tribute commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram, India’s National Song. Created by the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC SRA), the production is anchored in Raag Desh and performed by the academy’s Gurus, Scholars, Musician Tutors and accompanying artists. The tribute reflects the enduring cultural significance of Vande Mataram and its association with national identity, unity and collective memory.
A Continuing Cultural Initiative
The latest edition continues the Desh Ek Raag series that began on India’s 78th Independence Day and returned in 2025 with Desh Ek Raag 2. According to ITC SRA, the project has evolved into a cultural platform linking the ideas of “Desh” and “Raag” while highlighting the role of Hindustani classical music in contemporary cultural expression. Earlier editions attracted significant public engagement and expanded their artistic scope through collaborations with other performing arts, including classical dance.
Guru-Shishya Parampara at the Core
A central theme of Desh Ek Raag 3 is the Guru-Shishya Parampara, the traditional model of learning and transmission in Indian classical music. The presentation brings together multiple generations of performers, reflecting the academy’s emphasis on preserving musical knowledge through close mentorship and sustained practice. Nearly 70 participants contributed to the production, ranging from 11-year-old scholar Baibhab Mukhopadhyay to acclaimed vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, who was the first student of ITC SRA and is now one of its Gurus.
Artists Behind the Production
The special rendition was created by ITC SRA Guru Shri Abir Hossain and recorded at the academy’s studio in Kolkata. The accompanying music video was directed by filmmaker and creative producer Pritha Chakraborty.
The featured ensemble includes:
- Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty
- Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar
- Pandit Partha Chatterjee
- Vidushi Subhra Guha
- Pandit Uday Bhawalkar
- Shri Omkar Dadarkar
- Shri Abir Hossain
- Shri Brajeswar Mukherjee
These artists are among the distinguished Gurus currently associated with ITC SRA, one of India’s leading institutions dedicated to Hindustani classical music.
ITC SRA’s Journey Towards Golden Jubilee
The release also marks a milestone for ITC SRA as the academy approaches its Golden Jubilee in 2027. Established in 1977, the academy was created to preserve and propagate Hindustani classical music through the traditional residential learning model. Over the decades, it has been associated with some of the country’s most respected musicians, including Girija Devi, Hirabai Barodekar, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, A. Kanan and Malabika Kanan. Today, the institution trains more than 50 scholars across its Kolkata campus and Pune facility while also organising concerts, festivals, lectures and archival initiatives.
Message from ITC Leadership
Ahead of Independence Day, ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ITC SRA, shared the project through LinkedIn. In his message, he described Desh Ek Raag 3 as a tribute to the enduring message of devotion, unity and love for the motherland embodied in Vande Mataram. He also highlighted the role played by the academy in nurturing India’s vocal and instrumental traditions for nearly five decades.
Viewing Information
The music video is available online through ITC SRA’s official channels.
Highlights of Desh Ek Raag 3
- Commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram
- Released on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day
- Anchored in Raag Desh
- Features nearly 70 performers across generations
- Created by Guru Shri Abir Hossain
- Directed by filmmaker Pritha Chakraborty
- Marks ITC SRA’s journey towards its Golden Jubilee in 2027
Final Thoughts
The project demonstrates how traditional musical practices continue to find relevance in contemporary India. By bringing together senior maestros and young scholars, Desh Ek Raag 3 highlights the ongoing transmission of artistic knowledge through the Guru-Shishya tradition. As ITC SRA approaches five decades of work in music education and preservation, the tribute also serves as a reminder of the role cultural institutions play in safeguarding and renewing India’s classical heritage for future generations.
