Sagar Morankar, a 22-year-old visually challenged student has been granted Pratham P K Sirdeshmukh Maharaj Scholarship for his dedication in dhrupad (classical) singing. Hailing from Chalisgaon, Jalgaon district, Sagar came to Pune when he was in 1st standard in 1993 and took admission in Pune Home for Blind, Koregaon Park.
“I participated in a play, Swatantryachi Yashogatha in 1998, which had 88 visually challenged students along with me. Our performance was appreciated wherever the play was staged in the state,” said Sagar, the son of chief chemist at a Sugar Factory in Chalisgaon.
He further told Sakaal Times that, “Pandit Uday Bhawalkar after taking a voice test selected me as his shishya (student) while I was in 6th standard. I travelled from Karve Nagar to Koregaon Park thrice a week to take singing lessons from him. Since, last five years I am staying at Guruji’s place (Pt. Bhawalkar place) and taking lessons of Dhrupad singing in true guru shishya parampara. There is nothing other than music and riyaaz.”
He named Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Kumar Gandharva and Kishore Kumar as his favourites. He also mentioned that Sangeeta Mate, his music teacher at primary school, was his source of inspiration.
Jyoti Bhawalkar, wife of Pandit Bhawalkar said, “Sagar is very active and dedicated towards his singing. He knows what he wants from his life. Considering his age he is very mature.”
Sagar, while elaborating about the experience of getting the scholarship, said, “I am very happy. But I am nervous now as this has increased my responsibility and I should work more to improve my singing skills.”
Nice, i like it.
I’m very very interested in the Singing