Pt. K. G. Ginde - Hindustani Raag Sangeet

Pandit K. G. Ginde Legendary Talent : Originally from Bailhongal in north Karnataka, Ginde, influenced by his father and elder brothers, became a musician at a young age. He became Ratanjankar’s disciple at 11 and stayed with him in Lucknow, learning vocal music from him and his senior disciple Pandit S.C.R. Bhat. Founded by the legendary Pandit V.N. Bhatkhande, Marris College was treated as a pilgrimage centre, attracting students like Bhat, violinist V.G. Jog, composer Chinmoy Lahiri and sitar maestro-vocalist D.T. Joshi. Kumar Gandharva often visited the campus. Once his skills were adequately developed, Ginde began performing for the radio and in music festivals, eventually moving to Mumbai. Later, Ginde cut down on performances to concentrate on teaching and research. It is said that he could produce 2,000 compositions from memory. He is being called the walkie-talkie version of entire Hindustani Sangeet Paddhati evolved by Pandit V.N.Bhatkhane and his worthy disciple Padmabhushan Acharya S.N.Ratanjaker. Pandit K.G.Ginde was also instrumental in developing profound awareness in understanding the Hindustani Ragadari Sangeet critically through his series of Lecture Demonstrations on various practical aspects for the benefit of future generation of musicians and music lovers. Being a traditionalist he believed in the purity of Ragas. Pandit Ginde passed away after a sudden heart attack, having just completed a lecture demonstration in Kolkata, it marked the end of an era. In recognition of his devotion and dedicated service to the cause of music and its propagation, he was honored with • Giants International Award for Music in 1988 • Sharangdev Fellowship Award in 1990 • Sangeet Natak Akademy Award , New Delhi for Hindustani Vocal Music in 1990 • Maharashta Gaurav Puraskar by Govt. of Maharashtra in 1990 Thus Pt. Ginde’s life has been one of total involvement, dedication and selfless service to the cause of Hindustani Music.