Music lovers of the Washington D.C. area extend their helping hands to the ailing violin maestro of India, Pandit V. G. Jog

Pandit V. G. Jog, the internationally acclaimed violin maestro of India is suffering from severe Parkinson's disease. Chhandayan D.C. chapter is organizing a fundraising concert for the benefit of the ailing violin maestro in McLean, Virginia 22102 on the 31st January 2003 at 7.30 pm. The concert will feature some of the finest Indian classical musicians of the US east coast, which includes Mitali Banerjee Bhawmik (vocal), Pandit Ramesh Mishra (sarangi), Pandit Sameer Chatterjee (tabla) amongst others.

Chhandayan D.C. chapter is organizing a fundraising concert for the benefit of the ailing violin maestro of India Pandit V.G. Jog, in an intimate setting at the residence of Dr. Anil Sharma, 1209 Artnauman Ct., McLean, Virginia 22102 on the 31st January 2003 at 7.30 pm. The suggested donation for the concert is $15.00. The concert will feature some of the finest Indian classical musicians of the US east coast, which includes Mitali Banerjee Bhawmik (vocal), Pandit Ramesh Mishra (sarangi), Pandit Sameer Chatterjee (tabla), John Wubbenhorst (flute), Debu Nayak (tabla), Humayun Khan (harmonium) and Dibyarka Chatterjee (tabla).

Padmabhusan Pandit V.G. Jog has been internationally regarded as one of the best north Indian classical violinists that India has ever produced. Since 1999, Pandit Jog has been suffering from Parkinsons disease. The disease has not only crippled the eighty years old maestro by snatching the violin away from his hands, but is also draining away all his resources. Without music, his only source of income, the high cost of medical care has become an unbearable burden for the Jog family. Moreover, the untimely death of his son has been an added blow to the ailing artist and his family.

Music lovers and musicians from all over the world has come forward to help their beloved artist in whatever way they can. The Chhandayan D.C. chapter organized benefit concert is such an attempt to help their beloved Panditji and his family. Mitali Banerjee Bhawmik, an exponent of the north Indian classical vocal music, and a student of Pandit V.G. Jog says, "This concert is a humble way to express my gratitude to my Guru. I hope and pray that the music lovers of this region will join us to make this a

successful event". Debu Nayak, the key organizer on behalf of the Chhandayan D.C. chapter said, "Pandit Jog has been a great inspiration to all of us who practice music. During his trips to USA he has given us countless hours of musical bliss and joy. It is now our turn to help him and his family during these days of hardship." Samir Chatterjee, the founder of Chhandayan says, "Pandit Jog is not only a great musician, but is also a great human being. Anybody who has come in contact with him feels blessed. It is our proud privilege to be able to offer our help through our music."

Groomed under some of the finest musicians of India, like Baba Allauddin Khan and Pandit S. N. Ratanjhankar, Pandit Jog has single handedly transformed a western musical instrument, the violin, as one of the major instruments to play the Indian classical ragas. V.G. Jog to violin is what Ravishankar is to Sitar. He has performed at all the major concert stages of the world, which includes venues like the Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Madison Square Garden of New York. His extensive knowledge, combined with his skillful artistry has been a legend among the lovers of Indian music all over the world.

Chhandayan Inc. is a non-profit tax-exempt organization whose main objective is to promote and preserve the rich heritage of Indian music in the United Sates. The activities of Chhandayan includes, offering lessons and workshops on Indian classical music, organizing concerts, and publication of books and recorded music.

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