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I n d i a n  C l a s s i c a l   M u s i c . . . . . . . . .

ITC established the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC-SRA) at Kolkata in 1978 with the objective of preserving and promoting Hindustani Classical Music. It was a pioneering and unique corporate initiative aimed at creating an institutional substitute for India's ancient tradition of royal patronage of the arts. It was also a pathbreaking experiment in reviving India's age-old tradition of `guru-shishya parampara', a knowledge management process in which teachers and students live together to facilitate continuous learning.

Since its inception, ITC-SRA has played a major role in reviving and nurturing India's rich heritage of Hindustani classical music. It has created a residential learning centre which captures the mood and ambience of the traditional gurukul. At ITC-SRA, the gurus are still venerated and the shishyas are committed to dedicated learning.

In a telling demonstration of the effectiveness of the gurukul system, ITC-SRA, in the 29 years plus since its inception, has produced several maestros of Hindustani classical music. They include Ajoy Chakrabarty and Rashid Khan, both of whom have achieved national acclaim. Other equally well-known and reputed musicians from the ITC-SRA gurukul are: Arun Bhaduri and Mashkoor Ali Khan. Upcoming young musicians like Shashank Maktedar, Shantanu Bhattacharya, Aniruddha Bhattacharya, Kaushik Bhattacharya, Kaushiki Desikan (nee Chakrabarty) and Omkar Dadarkar were also groomed in the academy while the likes of Arshad Ali, Manali Bose and Supratik Sengupta (sitar), all still students of the gurukul, have already begun to receive recognition for their musical prowess.

ITC's association with music had begun even before the formal inception of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy. The first ITC Sangeet Sammelan showcasing the best in Indian classical music was held in Delhi in 1971. This Sammelan also instituted a substantial cash award to be given to one of the oldest living musicians of stature. This award today is recognised as a great honour in the world of Indian classical music. The ITC Sangeet Sammelans have become an annual feature and are admired and appreciated by music lovers across the country. The ITC Sangeet Sammelans, which have since spread to other metros as well, have become an annual feature and are admired and appreciated by music lovers across the country.

Today re-creating a tradition. Tomorrow spreading it to the world.

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ITC's hotels business (ITC-Welcomgroup) actively supports the cause of theatre. `WelcomTheatre', launched a decade ago, showcases the best of Indian theatre productions, especially the experimental stage.

Welcomgroup also supports contemporary Indian art under the banner of `WelcomArt'. The Shristi art galleries located at various Welcomgroup hotels regularly sponsor the works of upcoming Indian artists. WelcomArt also conducts art camps where senior accomplished artists guide budding talent, often leading to new discovery of promising young artists.

 

`Dum Pukht', the cuisine and unique style of cooking popularised by the aristocratic Nawabs of Awadh two centuries ago.

`Bukhara', the authentic north-west frontier cuisine served at the restaurant of the same name located at the ITC Maurya. The Bukhara has received international appreciation. Its long list of admirers consists of the `who's who' international travellers including the former US President, Mr Bill Clinton.

`Dakshin', the handpicked traditional recipes from the four southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. It has brought to connoisseurs authentic south Indian cuisine which otherwise would have remained confined to private homes.