The Consulate General of India, New York celebrated Diwali, Festival of Lights, by organizing an Indian classical vocal music concert of Rajesh Paranjape, a renowned Indian classical vocalist on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Consulate Ballroom.

Consul Sugandh Rajaram welcomed the guests. Consul General Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay extended the gathering Diwali wishes.    

Rajesh Paranjape who is disciple of Pandit Yashwantbua Joshi, a doyen of Gwalior gharana and Shri Ram Deshpande, excels in Gwalior as well as Jaipur and Agra style of gayaki. He has performed in many music festivals all over India and abroad. 

During the concert he performed an evening raaga (melody) followed by Tarana (fast composition), abhanga (devotional composition) and ended the performance with raaga Bhairavi. He was accompanied on harmonium by Andrew Shantz who is an accomplished pianist and a jazz musician. Along with jazz music he also pursues Indian classical music and has been learning intensely from his guru Mrs. Madhumita Saha. Anil Khare accompanied on Tabla. Anil has learned from an early age from Pandit L.K. Kunte, disciple of Ustad Amir Hussein Khansaheb and is currently taking guidance from Shri Suryaksha Deshpande.

The programme was attended by large number of members of the diplomatic corps, cultural community in New York City and Tri-State area.

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