Vatsalabai Joshi Award presented to Begum Parveen Sultana

Pune, December 17 : This year’s ‘Vatsalabai Joshi Award’ instituted by the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal was presented to Patiala Gharana’s veteran Vocalist, Padma Bhushan Begum Parveen Sultana on the fourth day of the iconic Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav being held at the Maharashtriya Mandal Krida Sankul at Mukund Nagar.

Every year since 2007, this award is given to the artists who have made valuable contributions to the field of Indian classical music. The award is in the form of Rs 51,000/- cash and a memento.

Speaking on the occasion, Begum Parveen Sultana said, “Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi was like an elder brother to me and Vatasalabai was like my beloved sister-in-law. Being felicitated by an award in her name is a big achievement for me and gives me additional zest to work hard.”

“I have very fond memories of my time in Pune at the Joshi residence. Vatasalabai used to make Pohe for all of us to eat, and we used to musically respond to her delicious preparation saying’ Pohe sur mein bane hai’”. She added further.

In the photo (from Left) Dr. Prabhakar Deshpande, Milind Deshpande, Pt. Upendra Bhat, Shrinivas Joshi, Begum Parveen Sultana, Shubhda Mulgund, and Shilpa Joshi.