Anoushka Shankar hails Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan as UKs top Indian arts and culture hub

Sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar has described the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London as the number one hub for Indian arts and culture in the UK.

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, celebrating its golden jubilee year in London, stands as the foremost center for Indian arts and culture in the United Kingdom. Sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar highlighted this fact during the Bhavan's annual Diwali celebration, reminiscing about her own childhood experiences visiting the Bhavan with her father, the late Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Anoushka Shankar's Personal Connection

Shankar, now a 42-year-old UK-based classical musician, vividly recalled her early collaborations with Bhavan artists in the late 1990s. At just 15 years old, she assisted her father on the iconic "Chants of India" album, produced by the legendary Beatle George Harrison. "That was my first time starting to learn how to conduct a real ensemble, and I got to work with them on that album, working closely with artists from the Bhavan," Shankar shared, speaking as the guest of honor at the event.

Reflecting on her experiences, Shankar emphasized the Bhavan's pivotal role in nurturing and promoting Indian arts and culture. "Fast forward a few years in London, when I would be asked: 'I want my child to learn the sitar or the flute, where would I send them?' It's the Bhavan. I always say call the Bhavan. It's the number one place, an incredibly special place that we have... for children to have that kind of exposure to their roots, to arts, to culture, to mythology, it's so beautiful and meaningful," she said.

The Bhavan's Contributions

Established in London in 1972 and later moving to its current premises in West Kensington in 1978, the Bhavan UK has dedicated itself to preserving and promoting classical Indian arts, Yoga, languages, and culture. The annual Diwali celebration showcased the talents of the current cohort of students, who displayed their skills in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and classical music.

Vikram Doraiswami, Indian High Commissioner to the UK and chief guest at the event, commended the Bhavan's efforts in making India and its culture accessible to a wider audience. "The Bhavan's work in the last 51 years has made India and its culture accessible to all. It has brought a whole new generation of young people into a greater understanding and celebration of what it means to understand Indian art and culture; and it has made this accessible to a broader audience," he said.

Doraiswami also acknowledged the deep cultural connection between the UK and India, stating, "That says a lot, of course, for this country to start with, that the connection with India continues to be celebrated through its culture, and that makes the Bhavan one of the wonderful bridges that connects the UK with India."

Gratitude and Reflection

The event commenced with Vedic chants led by Bhavan Chairman Subhanu Saxena and Executive Director Dr. M.N. Nandakumara, who was recently conferred an honorary MBE by King Charles III for his services to Indian classical arts in Britain. Reflecting on the Bhavan's achievements, Dr. Nandakumara expressed his gratitude and pride.

"Just a few months shy of our 51st year here in London, I feel an immense sense of gratitude as I look back over the Bhavan's activities over the last 12 months and most of all the fact that we are able to provide our students and audiences a place where they can fully dive into creativity and connection in so many forms," said Dr. Nandakumara.

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan stands as a beacon of Indian arts and culture in the UK, celebrating its golden jubilee year with a rich legacy of promoting creativity, understanding, and connection. Through its dedication to teaching and preserving classical Indian arts, Yoga, languages, and culture, the Bhavan continues to bridge the gap between India and the UK, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Indian heritage.