Pandit Ronu Majumdar: Bansuri Maestro Honored with Padma Shri
Pandit Ronu Majumdar, the bansuri maestro, was recently honored with the Padma Shri by President Draupadi Murmu. This prestigious award recognizes decades of passion and dedication. He humbly dedicated it to India, his gurus, and his parents, calling it a “tonic for his soul.”
The hallowed halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi recently resonated with pride as Pandit Ronu Majumdar, the celebrated maestro of the bansuri, was conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s third-highest civilian award. The Honourable President Draupadi Murmu presented this esteemed recognition at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, marking a pivotal moment in the life of a musician whose journey began decades ago with a simple flute and an insatiable passion.
A Life Woven with Melodies: The Background of Pandit Ronu Majumdar
Born into a family deeply steeped in music, young Ronu’s earliest memories were of the soulful strains of the flute played by his father, Dr. Bhanu Majumdar. It was in the quiet corners of his home that the seeds of his lifelong dedication to Indian classical music were sown. His path, however, was not one of solitary discovery. It was meticulously shaped by the wisdom of revered mentors.
He became a devoted disciple of the Maihar Gharana, a lineage known for its profound musical heritage. Under the tutelage of legendary maestros like Pt. Laxman Prasad Jaipurwale and Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao, Ronu honed his craft, transforming the simple bamboo flute into an instrument of breathtaking expression. His mastery of the bansuri blossomed, paving the way for him to become one of India’s foremost flute virtuosos.
Pandit Majumdar’s genius wasn’t confined to traditional classical performances. His innovative spirit propelled him beyond boundaries. He collaborated with global artists such as George Harrison and Ry Cooder, creating bridges between musical cultures. His compositions graced successful albums like A Traveller’s Tale and Ethereal Rhythms, and his artistry even extended to Hollywood, with his work featuring in the soundtrack for the film Primary Colours. Over the years, his contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Aditya Vikram Birla Award, and the Life-Time Achievement Award from Sahara India. Each award was a testament to his unwavering dedication and profound impact on the world of music.
A Moment of Deep Gratitude and Humility
On the eve of Republic Day, the nation had already rejoiced at the announcement of Pandit Ronu Majumdar as one of the 11 Padma Shri awardees from Maharashtra. Now, standing before the President, the culmination of over 50 years of relentless dedication was realized.
With the Padma Shri in his hands, a deeply emotional Pandit Ronu Majumdar dedicated the award not just to himself, but to the very essence of India. “I am deeply emotional and happy to receive this prestigious award, Padma Shri, at this pivotal moment,” he shared. “I dedicate this Padma Shri to all of India, to all those in our country who practice music and those who aspire to do so.”
His thoughts then turned to his roots, his voice imbued with profound love. “My parents, my mother, whose eyes were filled with tears when she heard of this honour. I wish to dedicate this to my mother’s feet.” He also humbly acknowledged the titans who shaped his musical soul: “I also dedicate this award to my Gurus: Bharat Ratna Ravi ShankarJi, my Guru Pandit Vijay Raghav Rao, and my first Guru and father, Bhanu MajumdarJi.”
He expressed his sincere gratitude to the nation’s leaders, stating, “I sincerely thank Shri Narendra Modiji, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, and Shri Amitbhai Shah, the Honourable Home Minister, for recognizing my contributions to this field that I have dedicated myself to for the past 50 years.” In a moment of poignant reflection, he added, “I did not celebrate the moment with a fanfare in the backdrop of the incident in Pahalgam as it has deeply saddened all of us. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”
Beyond the formal recognition, Pandit Majumdar also offered heartfelt thanks to his family—his wife Anandi and sons Siddharth and Hrishikesh—for their unwavering emotional support through life’s challenges. He described the award as a renewed source of inspiration: “This award has given me the strength to continue working harder. It feels like a tonic for my soul to push further in my musical pursuits.”
This prestigious recognition arrives on the heels of another monumental achievement: Pandit Majumdar recently led a symphony of 546 musicians, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest Hindustani Classical Band ever assembled to perform a single composition. It was a testament to his vision and leadership, showcasing the vibrant power of Indian classical music on a global stage.
Pandit Ronu Majumdar’s journey is a living symphony, a testament to dedication, innovation, and the enduring power of music. His compositions, performances, and collaborations continue to inspire generations, ensuring that the soul-stirring melodies of the bansuri resonate across the world for years to come.