Varanasi, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : Pandit Shivnath Mishra, a renowned sitar player and Padma Shri awardee, was born on October 12, 1943, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He has played a pivotal role in introducing sitar playing and thumri singing to an international audience, representing the esteemed Banaras gharana.
Mishra served as the head of the music department at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. His musical journey began at the age of eight when he learned Indian classical music from his uncle, the late Pandit Mahadev Prasad Mishra, known as the “Thumri Emperor.” When the announcement of his Padma Shri award was made in 2022, congratulations poured in at his home in Varanasi, overwhelming his family with visitors.
Following Pandit Ravi Shankar, Mishra is one of the few sitar players to receive this prestigious honor. His name is held in high esteem within the classical music tradition of Kashi, especially since being awarded the Padma Shri.
His son, Devvrat Mishra, expressed immense pride in his father’s achievement, stating, “My father is my guru, and receiving the Padma Shri is a significant recognition for him. This honor in the field of sitar playing is rare.” Devvrat also highlighted that while many accolades exist for tabla and vocal music in Indian classical music, recognition in string instruments is scarce. He thanked the government for this honor and emphasized the importance of preserving the guru-shishya tradition, which continues to attract students from around the world to learn music and understand the depths of Indian culture.
Pandit Shivnath Mishra’s musical knowledge and dedication are invaluable treasures, not just for him but for the entire cultural heritage of Kashi. His contributions have inspired many musicians, and his teachings resonate in the world of music today.
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