YOUTHFUL PASSION SET TO CREATE HISTORY IN DEVOTIONAL MUSIC: MANGALAM BHARDWAJ

YOUTHFUL PASSION SET TO CREATE HISTORY IN DEVOTIONAL MUSIC: MANGALAM BHARDWAJ

23-MARCH-ENG 11

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------------The youth of Bhojpur have once again resolved to elevate the region's rich religious and cultural heritage to new heights. Several young artists from local towns have channeled their artistic disciplines, talents, and the accolades received for their performances into creating a burgeoning cultural platform for devotional music—a platform popularly known as "Music Mantra." Their performances have reached the ears of audiences far and wide. Driven by the growing popularity of its artists, the platform has now embarked on a historic journey. Its director, Mangalam Bhardwaj, stated that the core objective and achievement of the Music Mantra team lie in understanding the nuances of each artist, respectfully integrating appropriate musical styles and instruments, and maintaining a spirit of collective, continuous effort—endeavors that remain ongoing. Regarding their specific focus on devotional music, he explained that the very origins of musical melody (*Sur*), rhythm (*Taal*), and musical modes (*Raga*) stem from the Vedas, Puranas, and the pantheon of deities; these elements serve as profound symbols of our cultural heritage and the eternal (*Sanatan*) civilization. Devotional music, he noted, brings tranquility to the mind and fosters a cultured environment within society. In contrast, certain modern musical trends, he argued, often introduce distortions and discord into society, thereby eroding the bonds of brotherhood. In the realm of devotional music, people of all ages—men, women, children, youth, and the elderly—gather together with a spirit of purity to listen and find spiritual joy.

The harmonious blend of melody, rhythm, and musical instruments in these devotional songs (*Bhajans*) is both enchanting and delightful to the ear. Having honed their craft on small stages across districts, villages, and cities, these artists have now advanced significantly. There is scarcely a national-level platform where these young talents have not showcased their art; indeed, they are now gracing and enriching stages at both the state and national levels. Through "Music Mantra," the group continues to receive an abundance of affection and appreciation from its listeners. "I am fully confident that the cooperation, hard work, and unwavering dedication of this team will undoubtedly create history," stated Bhardwaj. Key members playing pivotal roles within the team include Sagar Singh, Sahil Kaushik Rajput, Pratik Shandilya, Rohit Srivastava, Dineshwar Kumar (alias Golu), Vikhyat Mishra, Shashwat Srivastava, Manish Kumar, Rishi Raj, Akash Mishra, Himanshu Mishra, Suryanshu Mishra, and others.