Strings of Revival | Shri Shakir Khan | TEDxPVGCOET

Music. Sitar. Maestro. These three words perfectly define Shri Shakir Khan. In a world where music constantly evolves and new genres emerge daily, staying connected to the roots of music is essential. At TEDxPVGCOET, Shri Shakir Khan, with his sitar, guides us through a musical journey, reflecting on gharanas, opportunities in music, and the role of an instrumentalist. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the musical heritage of oneself and one’s family, exemplified by his own dedication. Additionally, he calls on students and teachers to revitalize the diminishing popularity of Indian Classical Music and elevate it to new heights. Shri Shakir Khan stands as a luminary in the realm of Hindustani instrumental music, inheriting the rich legacy of the legendary Etawah Gharana. Trained under the illustrious Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan for 25 years, Shakir epitomizes the eighth generational link in an unbroken lineage of musical brilliance, rooted in the sitar and surbahar. Awarded the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2019, his talent has resonated globally, gracing stages from Dover Lane Music Conference to Woodstock Festival in Poland. Shakir's mastery of sur (melody) and laya (rhythm) is evident, highlighted by his duets with his father and guru. Shakir Khan, a recipient of CCRT and All India Radio scholarships, not only astonishes audiences with his musical voice but also serves as a precious guardian of one of the world's oldest classical traditions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx