Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 16: Under the guidance of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and in memory of Shri Inderchandji Sahib Sacheti (Ajmer), the father of Shri Padam Sacheti, in 2005, the Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust was established. The Trust is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music in all its forms. It began with a single concert titled UGAM and now, twenty years later, Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust has become synonymous with exceptional musical performances.
The Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust organizes multiple annual concerts: UGAM, which highlights established artists, and UDAAN, which provides a platform for promising young musicians. These emerging artists are part of the Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust Scholarship program, which offers a monthly stipend to help them focus on their musical training without financial concerns. Both concerts are completely free for the audience. In 2008, the Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust introduced a Lifetime Achievement Award in memory of Pandit Uma Duttji Sharma, father of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. This award is presented to a distinguished figure in Indian Classical Music, honouring their contributions to the preservation and promotion of the arts.
The global pandemic, like everywhere else, brought the activities of Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust to a halt. The passing of its mentor, Pt. Shivkumar ji Sharma, in 2022 further delayed the revival of its initiatives, as Panditji was a guiding force and the backbone of the organization. In 2023, Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust resumed the UGAM concert series with some minor modifications. In 2024, Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust unveiled a coffee table book, launched by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodhaji and Padma Bhushan Shri S. Ramadorai ji. This book chronicles the trust’s journey and evolution, enriched with letters and messages from renowned artists and notable personalities, commending and encouraging its efforts. It stands as a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the trust’s founder, Shri Padam Chand Sacheti.
UGAM is now dedicated to the memory of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Shivkumar ji Sharma and is held annually on his birthday, January 13 along with a second UGAM concert organized during the festive October-November season every year. This year, the event is on January 17th, 2025, at the Nehru Centre Auditorium. The highlight of the evening on January 17th will be a spellbinding performance by Pandit Rahul Sharma, a luminary in his own right. Known for his powerful vocals and soulful renditions, Pandit Rahul Sharma promises to bring alive the spirit of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma through a carefully curated repertoire.
The Ugam concert on the 17th will be graced by the presence of Padma Shri Prasoon Joshi Ji, who will attend as the esteemed Chief Guest. Known for his profound contributions to literature, poetry, and the arts, his presence will undoubtedly elevate the occasion. Adding to the significance of the day, we are also organizing a special tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain, celebrating his unparalleled mastery and contribution to Indian classical music. This homage promises to be a heartfelt acknowledgment of his enduring legacy.
In addition, in 2023, the award previously named after Panditji’s father, has been renamed the “Pt. Shivkumar Sharma Samman Award” in his honour. In the year 2023, the esteemed vocalist Pt. Ratan Mohan Sharma and revered pakhavaj maestro Pt. Bhavani Shankar were recipients of the award. In 2024, the distinguished Padma Shri Pt. Suresh Wadkar and the legendary Ustad Taufiq Qureshi were celebrated as the recipients. This year, the awardees of the “Pt. Shivkumar Sharma Samman Award” will be Pt. Yogesh Samsi and Pt. Tejendra Majumdar. The Trust has also revived the UDAAN concert series and the scholarship program.
Shri Padam Ji Sacheti’s efforts and passion remain constant and unwavering, devoted to the advancement of initiatives by the Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust and fostering the rich heritage of Hindustani classical music. The Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust has championed legendary musicians and nurtured young talent, ensuring that the segment of Hindustani classical music and its traditions thrive. Throughout its journey, the Trust has been privileged to receive support from many esteemed individuals. Late Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar ji Sharma, who played an instrumental role in the trust’s activities from the very beginning, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia ji, Dr. Karan Singh ji, late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Shri Morari Bapu, Late Smt. Girja Devi, Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha ji, and Padma Bhushan Shri S. Ramadorai ji all lent their presence and encouragement during its formative years. The growth and success of Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust would not have been possible without their invaluable support.
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