Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
One of the great sons of Indian soil, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi has become an icon of Indian Music today. The Heights of success he has achieved, are the rarest in the World of Art in this century.
Born in 1922 in the town of Gadag in Karnataka, the Maestro's passion for music started at a very young age. His life is the very stuff for legend. Flight from the secure environs of home while still in his early teens in search of Guru, encounters with musicians all over India in this quest, the circular culmination of this journey in Kundgol, where he found his Guru and Mentor, Pt. Rambhau
Kundgolkar, alias Sawai Gandharva. It is an epic saga of struggle, of a single-pointed thirst for music. Perhaps that is why Panditji has been a daredevil, a risk taker for most of his life. Through his excellent absorption of the souls of various Gayakies, he has created a unique blend, adding his own introspective aesthetic sense. The result is his unique Bhimsen Gayaki. With tremendous power to perform with amazing vocal expression, Panditji has created a New Era which gives an interesting dimension to Kirana tradition of Hindusthani Music. His Musical Philosophy rests in not being revolutionary or provoking but in being emotive, intense and soothing in nature. To achieve the core of Art, creating in a true sense the catharsis in audience's mind, is the supreme goal of his performance. With this divine power, Bhimsenji's music has crossed the borders of nations and has touched the hearts of the' Rasika' of the World.

University of Pune is proud of the fact that Panditji is the founding father of Lalit Kala Kendra of this University. Because of his active participation and guidance, the dream for Lalit Kala Kendra turned in to reality. It is Lalit Kala Kendra's honour and privilege to have a CHAIR in Panditji's name. Today, on this gracious occasion of the inauguration of Bhimsen Joshi Chair, Lalit Kala Kendra takes the opportunity to express its deep gratitude towards Panditji. We pray God to bless him sound health and long life.

Bhimsen Joshi Chair
at Centre for Performing Arts University of Pune
University of Pune takes pride to announce that for the first time in India a Chair in the name of legendary singer Pt. Bhimsen Joshi is established. This is to honour Panditji for his contribution to the field of Indian Classical Music while celebrating his 75th birthday. The CHAIR is established with the one time grant received from the State Government of Maharashtra through the Department of Higher Education. Thanks to the 'Development Board for the Rest of Maharashtra' for making the provision for the grant.
Though programmes under the CHAIR came into operation from April '98, a formal inauguration is to be held on 22nd February '99. Senior ,Guru of Kirana Ghrana Dr. Gangubai Hangal will be presenting a special concert on Monday, the 22nd February '99, at the time of the inaugural function of the CHAIR. Many eminent Gurus of the field of Hindustani Classical Music are expected to attend this function.