Anita Bhalla OBE honoured at Carnatic Concert

Awards were bestowed upon Julian Lloyd Webber, the world renowned British cellist, the BBC’s former Head of Political and Community Affairs, and founder of BBC Asian Network Anita Bhalla OBE, Ramesh Verma OBE, founder and Chief Executive of Ekta Project, a charity that supports elderly Asian people and Jatinder Verma MBE, Artistic Director of Tara Arts, the UK’s first Asian theatre group. Held at The Bhavan Centre in London last Saturday, the event brought together people from all ages, backgrounds and abilities. The concert also featured fellows of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.
 
Now in its third year, the BCC aims to promote and increase visibility of Carnatic music, a system of classical music associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. It aims to connect diverse communities across England and promote British Values through the unique tunes and lyrics of this South Asian music.
 
Speaking ahead of the concert, London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan said: “London’s greatest strength is its diversity, and nowhere is this clearer than in the amazing range of music showcased here every day. The South Asian community in London contribute so much to the life of our city, including through culture, and I know Londoners from all backgrounds will enjoy the British Carnatic Choir’s wide repertoire of classic, contemporary and folk pieces.”
 
BCC, a pioneering concept, is the brainchild of Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan FRSA, an established Carnatic vocalist and Artistic Director of Shruthi UK, a not-for- profit South Asian arts and culture organisation based in Solihull, West Midlands. Dr Ramakrishnan FRSA describes Carnatic music as "a jigsaw piece of the rich diversity which we share and celebrate in our great nation, the UK".
 
Also honoured on the night were Guru Vid Neyveli Santhanagopalan, an iconic figure in the field of Carnatic music, who flew in especially from India to be part of this prestigious concert. Other awards presented included Best Vocalist, Best Young Singer and Best Performer. These awards, sponsored by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, recognise outstanding talent and ability across various categories and were introduced last year. Dhiren Katwa, representing Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar, said, 'investing in assets is important, but investing time in nurturing the talents of young people was more important and that he was proud to be part of a media group which strived to identify and recognise just this.'
 
Next week, the BCC in partnership with a series of public and private sector organisations is organising the first-ever World Music Conference 2017. Hosted by the University of Wolverhampton, the three-day Conference will officially open with a prestigious dinner on 9 th  November.