NEW DELHI (India CSR): Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, marked a significant cultural milestone with the flag-off of Baithak – The Music Series, a curated initiative designed to revive the tradition of intimate, reflective musical gatherings within an academic setting. Conceived as a year-long series of twelve baithaks, the programme aims to celebrate distinguished alumni, nurture emerging talent, and reconnect young audiences with India’s rich classical and semi-classical music traditions.
The inaugural Baithak, held at the college campus, unfolded as a deeply immersive and almost surreal experience, attended by eminent musicians, cultural practitioners, MUSOC alumni, faculty members, students, and distinguished guests. The evening reaffirmed the relevance of the baithak format—where music is not merely performed, but shared, contemplated, and lived.
A Spellbinding Flag-Off Performance
The flag-off concert featured Avirindam, a rare and compelling Hindustani vocal duet by Dr. Avinash Kumar and Dr. Rindana Rahasya, the first married couple to perform the sophisticated technique of MoorchhanaBhedam – in a duet format. Their presentation seamlessly wove together Hindustani classical, semi-classical compositions, bhajans, and abhangs, demonstrating both technical mastery and emotive depth.
The performance was supported by an accomplished ensemble, including Dr. Ashique Kumar on harmonium, Zaheen Khan on tabla, and Ujith Uday Kumar on tabla. Adding to the evening’s vitality was an electrifying opening by current members of the Kirori Mal College Music Society (MUSOC), symbolically bridging generations of musical practice.
Encouragement from IRFC Leadership
The organisers warmly acknowledged the presence and encouragement of Manoj Kumar Dubey, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), the Principal Sponsor of the Baithak Series. His encouragement and support was widely appreciated as a meaningful affirmation of CSR-led engagement with cultural heritage, youth talent, and education.
Voices from the Leadership
Reflecting on the vision behind the initiative, Prof. Dinesh Khattar, Principal, Kirori Mal College, and Mentor to the Baithak Series, said:
“The Baithak Series is our attempt to bring music back to an intimate, reflective space where it is felt as a shared heritage rather than a spectacle. It seeks to connect tradition with young minds in a meaningful way. The spellbinding performances at the inaugural Baithak beautifully set the mood and spirit for this cultural journey.”
Prof. Shalini Sane Baxi, Convenor of the Baithak Series, added:
“Baithak has been a long-cherished dream – one that brings together distinguished alumni and young, emerging artistes from MUSOC and music societies across the University of Delhi. It is an effort to build a living tradition of mentorship, performance, and shared learning within the university ecosystem.”
Sharing a deeply personal perspective, Jogiraj Sikidar, MUSOC alumnus and Founder-Director of Malhaar (Performing Arts Institute), UAE, remarked:
“As our lives and professions become increasingly AI-driven, music will emerge as one of the most vital anchors for mental well-being, emotional intelligence, and empathy. Technology can build systems, but only art can build humans. Baithak embodies this philosophy beautifully. Returning to my college 32 years after I passed out, for a student-led initiative of this depth, felt like a true homecoming – where experience met content, and music once again connected generations.”
A Series with a Long-Term Cultural Vision
Envisioned as a structured series of twelve Baithaks over the coming year, the initiative will feature alumni and invited performers from across the University of Delhi and beyond. Each Baithak will follow an intimate, two-hour format combining performance and interaction, offering students and aspiring musicians rare access to accomplished practitioners and living traditions of Indian music.
With Baithak – The Music Series, Kirori Mal College reinforces its legacy as a space where academic excellence and cultural depth coexist – ensuring that India’s musical heritage continues to resonate with new generations, not as nostalgia, but as a living, evolving practice.
(India CSR)
