January 28, 2011 (Sampurn Wire): Well-known and respected temple trusts in Maharashtra such as Siddhivinayak, Pandharpur and Shirdi will organize special programs to express reverence for the celebrated classical vocalist, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, who breathed his last breath this week.

Subhash Mayekar, who is associated with the venerated Siddhivinayak temple, has voiced that, aside from the organization of numerous shows, the temple also intends to vend audio cassettes as well as publications anchored in the life of Joshi, who was a recipient of the prestigious Indian honor, the Bharat Ratna.

Shashikant Page, who is linked to the Pandharpur temple, has verbalized that Joshi had a lengthy relationship and bond with the temple's 'vaarkaris i.e. followers. He also remarked that some of the religious personalities, who were related to the temple, always wished that Joshi would enable them to chant the morning prayer to Lord Vitthal. Nevertheless, that wish will remain a vision for good.
Jayant Sasane, who is an official connected to the Shirdi Trust, also recollected Joshis trips to the temple. He has articulated that the temple will arrange a program as a symbol of veneration for Joshi as well as play his cassettes and endorse his songs in the temple. The temple, as per Sasane, would release invitations to illustrious songsters, who were attached to Joshi.

Meanwhile, the students, who desire to chase a career in music, may now have the opportunity to comprehend the musical subject from the old hands in the musical community. To voice esteem for the deceased Bhimsen Joshi, the Mumbai University (MU) possesses a plan to inaugurate a musical centre by his name. The MUs bureaucrats have dispatched a proposal to the Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM), Prithviraj Chavan, requesting the CM for a grant of Rs.10 crore to launch the center at its Kalina campus.

A source attached to MU has remarked that MU already possesses a section of music, where degree and diploma courses are provided. This proposed centre will be for the pleasure of music admirers, with the certificate courses in music going to be one of its offerings. Old hands in the musical world will be called as faculty in the centre. Writing on classical music and diverse sorts of music will be made obtainable for the students in the centres annals.

-- Sampurn Wire