Under the direction of Chairman Subhojit Roy, the Rotary District Public Image Committee felicitated Santoor Maestro Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya on his 2026 receipt of India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, the Padmashri.

Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya is an exponent of the Santoor of Maihar Gharana and a disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar.

He created the instrument’s Menkas and has spent over 40 years promoting Hindustani classical music worldwide. In addition, he has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Tansen Award.

Through his music, Tarun Bhattacharya actively raises awareness of Thalassaemia after serving as Rotary’s global ambassador for the Polio Eradication Program. His charitable endeavors include concerts to raise money for many causes, such as heart and eye surgery, education, and the treatment of Thalassaemia.

Speaking at the event, Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya said, “I have never thought that I would be playing the santoor just to get an award. I have only practised the Santoor diligently. My father used to say that practice regularly, fame, and money will run after you. I have followed this advice, and I am blessed to get such recognition”.

At the Kolkata Press Club, Rotary honored him for his contributions.

Priyanka Dutta