Everlasting Impressions on the Sands of Time
Introduction
Sangeet Sudhakar Late Poojya Swami Shreevallabhdasji, a world-renowned exponent of Indian Classical Music, was the visionary behind Shreevallabh Shikshan Sangeet Ashram. His profound passion for music, cultivated from a young age, and his renunciation of worldly life led him to embrace the saffron robe early on and dedicate his life to the Swaminarayan sect. His mission was to spread divine messages through music to people across all walks of life.
Musical Training and Contributions
Training: Swami Shreevallabhdasji devoted over two and a half decades to mastering Mridang, Tabla, and Vocal Music under the guidance of great masters, including his esteemed Guru, Ustad Faiyyaz Hussein Khan, often referred to as “Aftab-e-Mousiqi.”
International Impact: Swami Shreevallabhdasji made significant contributions to Indian music and culture by performing abroad, delivering impressive and memorable vocal recitals. Accompanied by Swami Hariprasaddasji and Shri Shankar Bhagatji, he traveled to various countries, raising funds to support and enhance established institutions and promoting appreciation for Indian classical music.
Foreign Tours for Indian Classical Music Programs
- 1928: Visited East Africa.
- 1954: Returned to East Africa with disciples Swami Hariprasaddasji and Shri Shankar Bhagatji, who accompanied him on his tours until 1972.
- 1956: Traveled to Singapore, Burma, Malaya, Ceylon, and Thailand.
- 1959: Performed in Aden, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Europe, where he was invited by the renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin through the Asian Music Circle.
- 1961: Toured Thailand, the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- 1962: Visited Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand.
- 1968: Traveled to long-established locations including Okena, Philippines, Singapore, Bangkok, Australia, and others.
Honours and Awards
- 1948: Honored with the title “Sangeet Sudhakar” and a Gold Medal by Shri Goswami Dixitji Maharaj, Acharya of Vaishnav Sampradaya, Mumbai.
- 1949: Nominated as President of the Art Division (Kala Vibhag) at Gujarat Sahitya Sammelan in Junagadh by Shri K.M. Munshiji.
- 1953: Received honors from Indian High Commissioner Shree Gopal Menon and Pakistan High Commissioner Nawab Sadique Ali Khan in Nairobi, Kenya.
- 1953: Awarded “Sangeet Martand” and “Sangeet Parijat” by His Holiness Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeeth in Ahmedabad.
- 1956: Honored by the Sanatan Dharma Sabha of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
- 1957: Recognized by Shri Satya Narayana Goenkaji, on behalf of the Indian community in Rangoon, Burma, in the presence of the President of Burma.
- 1960: Awarded by the United Nations Development Committee and Children’s Society in Aden.
- 1961: Honored by Shree Naranjan Singh Gill, the Indian High Commissioner in Bangkok, Thailand.
- 1961: Received accolades from the King of Thailand for his exceptional performance before the Buddha Sampradaya Guru – Sangharaj on his birthday.
- 1967: Recognized by the Mysore Sangeet Natak Academy.
- 1972: Honored by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Ghanshyambhai Oza, on behalf of the Gujarat State Sangeet Natak Academy.
Swami Shreevallabhdasji’s legacy continues to inspire and enrich the world of Indian classical music through his enduring contributions and exemplary service.