Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of the most renowned shehnai maestros in India. His love for India and its culture was unparalleled. This article will look at two instances in the text which demonstrate his immense love for India and its city of Banaras.
Bismillah Khan’s Love for India
Ustad Bismillah Khan was born in Bihar in 1921 and was raised in Banaras. In his autobiography, My Music, My Life, he wrote that he was deeply in love with India and its culture. He wrote, “I love India, I love the Indian people and I love Indian music.” He was also known for his patriotism and was often seen playing his shehnai during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. He was a firm believer in the power of music and its ability to bring people together and unite them in a common bond.
Bismillah Khan’s Devotion to Banaras
Bismillah Khan was deeply devoted to the city of Banaras and was known for his love of the city. He was known to have said, “I am a Banarasi, I am proud of my city and I will never leave it.” He was also known to have said, “I have been living in Banaras since I was born and I will die here.” He was also known for his fondness of the city’s ghats and was often seen playing his shehnai on the banks of the Ganga.
Ustad Bismillah Khan was an exemplary musician and a true patriot. He was deeply in love with India and its culture and was devoted to the city of Banaras. He was a symbol of the unity of India and an example of how music can be used to bring people together.
