The ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC SRA) hosted the 54th ITC Sangeet Sammelan 2025 from December 5–7. It attracted music enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and people from all walks of life from all over India. The first session of the three-day event, which took place on the Academy’s lovely lawns, highlighted the richness, diversity, and depth of Indian classical music—a creative legacy that ITC SRA has maintained for almost fifty years.

The Sammelan offered spectators a unique fusion of tradition, talent, and creativity with an amazing lineup that included renowned Gurus, accomplished accompanists, iconic artists, and the Academy’s own up-and-coming Scholars.

This year’s festival featured a unique moment of distinction when the renowned Parween Sultana was awarded the prestigious ITC Sangeet Samman 2025 by ITC and ITC Sangeet Research Academy in recognition of her extraordinary talent, deep dedication, and long-lasting contribution to Indian classical music. The Academy honored a performer who epitomizes the spirit of Hindustani classical music traditions and whose voice continues to inspire generations with this esteemed prize.

Since its establishment in 1978, the ITC Sangeet Samman has honored some of the most renowned musicians in India, whose skill has touched audiences and whose commitment has enhanced the country’s classical heritage. The esteemed prize honors a lifetime of musical devotion and honors luminaries who have not only preserved the splendor of their Gharanas but have also spread the spirit of Indian classical music to audiences worldwide. L. Subramaniam, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Zakir Hussain, N. Rajam, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Swapan Chaudhuri, and Ulhas Kashalkar are just a few of the recent recipients of this remarkable honor. This year, Parween Sultana joins this illustrious lineage of legends.

The three days of the 2025 ITC Sangeet Sammelan featured an exciting schedule of performances. This year’s ITC Sangeet Sammelan featured several outstanding musicians, including Parween Sultana, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Subhra Guha, Uday Bhawalkar, and Ranjani & Gayatri in vocal, Nayan Ghosh on tabla, and some of the Academy’s exceptional scholars like Pranjal Ghatak on flute and Kalyan Majumdar on sitar.

The richness of India’s classical music heritage and the Academy’s steadfast dedication to developing outstanding talent were once again showcased in the 2025 edition.

Priyanka Dutta