Mamata Banerjee Pays Tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar on Birth Anniversary, Hails His Global Cultural Legacy

Kolkata, April 2026 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday paid heartfelt tribute to legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar on his birth anniversary, describing him as one of the foremost cultural pioneers of the Bengal Renaissance and a source of immense pride for Bengalis across the world.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, Banerjee highlighted the timeless appeal of Ravi Shankar’s music and its pivotal role in elevating Indian classical traditions to global prominence. She emphasized that his melodies transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, introducing audiences worldwide to the depth and richness of Indian ragas.

“On the birth anniversary of world-renowned sitar maestro, one of the leading cultural torchbearers of Bengal’s renaissance, and a pride of Bengal and Bengalis — Pandit Ravi Shankar — I offer my deepest respect and heartfelt tribute. The enchanting notes of his music helped Indian classical music gain a distinct identity on the global stage,” Banerjee wrote.

Born in Varanasi in 1920, Ravi Shankar’s journey into the world of music was both unique and transformative. In his early years, he traveled extensively as part of his brother Uday Shankar’s dance troupe, gaining exposure to diverse artistic traditions. However, he later dedicated himself entirely to mastering the sitar under the rigorous tutelage of Ustad Allauddin Khan, one of the most respected figures in Indian classical music.

Ravi Shankar is widely credited with spearheading what came to be known as the “sitar explosion” of the 1960s, a period during which the instrument gained unprecedented popularity in the West. His performances at iconic global events such as the Monterey Pop Festival and the Woodstock introduced Indian classical music to the counterculture movement of the time. Despite the enthusiasm of these audiences, he remained deeply committed to preserving the discipline and sanctity of the art form, often urging listeners to experience the music with sincerity and focus.

A defining aspect of his international influence was his close association with George Harrison of The Beatles. As Harrison’s mentor and guide, Ravi Shankar played a crucial role in shaping the Western understanding of Indian music. Their collaboration not only brought Indian sounds into mainstream pop culture but also influenced musical structures, introducing elements like drone and spiritual depth into Western compositions.

Together, they organized the groundbreaking Concert for Bangladesh, widely regarded as one of the first major benefit concerts in history. This initiative set a precedent for future global humanitarian music events, including efforts like Live Aid.

Ravi Shankar also made significant contributions to cinema, composing memorable scores for acclaimed filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy and contributing to the music of the film Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough. His work earned international acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination.

His extraordinary contributions were recognized with numerous honours. In 1999, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour in India. Over his illustrious career, he won five Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his place among the greatest musicians in history. Beyond music, he also served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1992, contributing to India’s cultural discourse at the national level.

Ravi Shankar’s legacy continues through his daughters — Anoushka Shankar, an internationally acclaimed sitarist carrying forward the classical and fusion traditions, and Norah Jones, a globally celebrated Grammy-winning singer-songwriter.

As tributes poured in from across the country, Banerjee’s message underscored the enduring impact of Ravi Shankar’s artistry — one that not only defined an era but also built a lasting bridge between cultures through the universal language of music.