Accomplished folk singer Malini Awasthi has waxed poetic in praise of the Uttar Pradesh government and its Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for pledging their patronage to classical and folk music. Her audio record has called her a distinctive voice and an invaluable contributor to cinema and television. These were made by Awasthi just before going on stage at the Kajri Utsav in Azamgarh on Wednesday. It is being organized in the culturally rich region of Hariharpur, which has special meaning for the singer since she received her early training in music there.
During an interaction with ANI, Malini Awasthi said she is delighted and proud to perform at the Kajri Utsav, more so in Hariharpur, which happens to be close to her musical journey. “It is a matter of great pride for me to perform in the Kajri Utsav at Hariharpur, which will always be remembered for its sentimental values because I have received my training here,” she says. For Awasthi, Hariharpur was much more than a performance; it was her homecoming into the very roots of her musical education.
She is known for her works in traditional music forms. Awasthi has been the torchbearer of Uttar Pradesh folk, bringing it to the front pages of Indian culture. Her association with the Kajri Utsav shows that she attempts to keep art forms like this alive. Utsav celebrates Kajri, which is a traditional genre of folk music by the populace in the rains in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, adding to the cultural richness in this part of the country.
While speaking, Awasthi did not forget to congratulate the Uttar Pradesh government in return for its unstinted effort in showcasing better pitching of both classical and folk music. She did not forget to shower all possible praise on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, under whose strong guidance these cultural initiatives have infused new life into traditional music in Uttar Pradesh. He further added that the government had also promised a lot on developing classical music and giving the artists a platform, which helped keep India’s rich musical heritage intact.
During the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a new beginning towards cultural revival was initiated in UP, especially in music and art. Several programs, festivals, etc., were undertaken by the government to promote traditional art forms, grants, and scholarships for those who want to become musicians and artists, and opportunities to perform on prestigious stages.
The efforts for such a cause can be well understood from Kajri Utsav, where Awasthi performed. It is the festival that is held annually, celebrating the monsoon-themed treasures of Kajri music for the rainy season, reflecting the beauty and emotions. The Utsav pays not only for musical traditions accrued for centuries but also encourages new talents to come forward, learn, and take forward the legacy of folk music.
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Since the very beginning of her career, Malini Awasthi has continued with the interpretation of traditional music. The distinctiveness of their voice and deep understanding of folk traditions granted her a prominent status as the favorite among Indian listeners. Awasthi regularly appeared on various stages, both national and international, and to a large extent, she popularized musical genres such as Thumri, Kajri, Hori, and Dadra. Its reach extended to the mainstream after having worked in cinema and television.
The heart of appreciation by Malini Awasthi goes to the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reflecting wider acknowledgment of the necessity of nurturing the cultural heritage. When on stage during the Kajri Utsav, she was not performing with a display of musical prowess but celebrating tradition, legacy, and ongoing efforts to keep alive the classical and folk streams in modern India. This Utsav has grown to become an icon, representing the strength of any cultural event and the timeless appeal of India’s musical heritage.
