Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 16: J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages today honored Omkar Nath Raina a veteran sitar maestro and well known music teacher in a felicitation ceremony organized at K L Saigal Hall, Cultural Academy, Jammu.
During the proceedings of the veteran string maestro O N Raina enthralled the audience by presenting a spellbound performance of sitar recital in a unique example that age has not rusted his genius.
While demonstrating he also shared his memorable incidents of his 60 yrs long carrier in the field of music. Myank Raina, grandson of veteran music teacher also mesmerized the audience besides him other who accompanied the veteran sitar maestro included Rohit Kaswalia on tabla.
At the onset of occasion, Smt Savita Bakshi, Additional Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKACL) presented welcome address. She also appreciated the services of veteran sitar maestro as teacher and said that his exemplary contribution as music composer and performer has inspired many to take music as profession.
Omkar Nath Raina received his early education from S P School Srinagar and then received training from Pt. Shamboo Nath Sopori. After completing his Sangeet Parveen with distinction from the Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad with a silver medal, he shifted to Delhi to come under the tutelage of Padam Vibhushan, Pandit Debu Choudhary, exponent of Saini Gharana.
From 1958 to 1973, he worked as staff artist in All India Radio (AIR) Jammu and then joined Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA) Jammu as head of the department of Sitar (Under the auspices of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages) and attained superannuation of his services in 1992.
Omkar Nath Raina has distinction to perform in many parts of the world in his credit which include his performances in USA , South America, West Indies and erstwhile USSR which has brought acclaimed international fame to him.
Besides this he has also composed music for many state Academy productions like Piya Baj Pyala and Tipu Sultan and also composed music for most popular ballets like Vitasta, Ras Leela and in numerous Radio and TV Serials. |
