9 November 2024/
CELEBRATING DR. RITA DEV: A BEACON OF HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL MUSIC
Dr. Rita Dev, a renowned musician and torchbearer of the prestigious Banaras Gharana, stands out as a distinguished vocal artist from India. Her mesmerizing vocals have captivated aficionados and lovers of classical music for decades.
Dr. Rita Dev carries the great legacy of the Queen of Thumri, Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Dr. Girija Devi. Dr. Rita Dev’s musical prowess blossomed under the meticulous guidance of Padma Vibhushan Smt. Girija Devi ji for more than 25 years.
The pinnacle of her career was marked by the honor of receiving the “Ganda Bandhan” blessing in the Guru-Shishya tradition, a testament to her exceptional talent. Her repertoire spans classical and semi-classical genres, including the delicate Khayal, Thumri, Kajri, Dadra, the colorful Holi, Tappa, Chaiti and the soul-invoking divine Bhajan.
Recently, Dr. Rita Dev was honored with the Shri H.C. Kapasi Saptak Award 2024, a prestigious accolade instituted in memory of the renowned musician late Shri Kapasi Saheb. This award recognizes her dedicated pursuit of Indian Classical Music and her significant contributions to the field. Dr. Dev’s enchanting voice and dedication continue to inspire and enrich the world of Hindustani classical music.
THE JOURNEY OF DR. RITA DEV: A MUSICAL PRODIGY
Born in the state of Assam, Dr. Rita Dev embarked on her musical journey under the guidance of Guru Shri Nirmal Acharjee. She earned her doctorate in vocal music from Banaras Hindu University, mentored by the esteemed Prof. Dr. Chittranjan Jyotishi of the Gwalior Gharana. Her training in light classical music was further enriched by the legendary vocalist of the Banaras Gharana, Guru Pandit late Mahadev Prasad Mishra.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Rita Dev has received widespread acclaim for her soulful performances at prestigious music festivals such as Doverlane Music Conference (Kolkata), Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav (Pune), Tansen Samaroh (Gwalior) and Amir Khusro Music Festival (Chennai), among many others. Her contributions continue to inspire and enrich the world of Hindustani classical music.
A BEACON OF HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL MUSIC
PLEASE VISIT:
www.ritadev.com
Dr. Rita Dev’s illustrious career has been adorned with numerous prestigious awards, including the Pandit Omkarnath Thakur Award, Sangeet Ratna Puruskar, Swar Ratna-Puruskar, Maa Sarda Samman, Pandit Shri Sripad Narayan Upasani Sangeet Samman, Art Camp Culture Promotion Award, Sangeet Sakshi Samman and Baba Allauddin Khan Smriti Samman. These accolades recognize her dedication, exceptional performances and outstanding contributions to the world of music.
A passionate and qualified musician, Dr. Dev is committed to spreading the beauty of classical music to young learners. She serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Music at Agra College, Agra.
An empaneled artist with the ICCR and an ‘A’ grade artist of All-India Radio, Dr. Rita Dev has graced television with popular musical presentations like Mausiqi Ek Khoj, Aradhana and Swaranjali. She has also released several acclaimed musical albums, including Swararni, Swararpan, and Swarganga, and authored the book Sangeet Swarit for music learners.
Her enthusiasm and artistry continue to bring solace to the souls of her audience, ensuring that the rich heritage of Hindustani classical music thrives for generations to come.
Dr. Rita Dev believes that classical music is not merely a source of entertainment in India but an integral part of our psyche, a filament that binds us to the divine.
