New Delhi, 2 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the demise of the legendary classical singer Pandit Chhannulal Mishra in an official message on X (formerly Twitter):

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned classical singer Pandit Chhannulal Mishra ji. He was dedicated throughout his life to the enrichment of Indian art and culture. Along with taking classical music to the masses, he made invaluable contributions to establishing Indian tradition on the global stage. It is my good fortune that I always received his affection and blessings. In 2014, he was also my proposer from the Varanasi seat. In this hour of grief, I express my deepest condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti!”

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away early Thursday morning around 4:15 am in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, after battling a prolonged illness including septicemia. He was 89 years old. His final rites are scheduled in Varanasi at Manikarnika Ghat later today.

A distinguished exponent of the Banaras gharana of Hindustani classical music, Pandit Mishra was known especially for khayal and the Purab Ang style of thumri. His extensive repertoire also encompassed dadra, chaiti, and devotional bhajans, which helped popularize classical music among the general public.

Born on August 3, 1936, in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, he chose Varanasi as his cultural and professional home.

Throughout his life, he received several prestigious accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2020, Padma Bhushan in 2010, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000, besides the Yash Bharti Award in 2010. He was also a top-grade artist with All India Radio and Doordarshan and served on the Ministry of Culture’s North-Central Zone committee.

Notably, Pandit Mishra was the proposer for Narendra Modi during the latter’s first parliamentary election from Varanasi in 2014, representing his stature in the region.

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra leaves behind an enduring legacy as a beacon of Indian classical music, revered for his soulful voice and devotion to the art form.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar