Global Indian International School (GIIS) Ahmedabad truly believes that music has a very spiritual background, a sanctity that is almost like worship. GIIS Ahmedabad keeps conducting varied Leadership Lectures (as a part of LLS) to provide cognitive knowledge using the 9GEMS pedagogy.

This year, the first LLS series of the new academic session was based on the gem - visual and performing arts and was graced by the renowned sitar maestro Padma Shri Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and tabla player Ustad Kadar Khan. 

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan is widely recognized as one of the greatest sitar players in the world. The recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Government of India’s Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Shahid Parvez Khan regularly performs in various countries including India, Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, enthralling the audience everywhere. Being one of the most charismatic performers of Indian classical music today, Ustad Kadar Khan - a renowned tabla player - who within his music creates complex rhythmic structures and improvisations with an energy and style which is rarely seen in a traditional musician.

GIIS Ahmedabad management; students, parents and teachers came together to attend and witness the magically musical afternoon at the campus. The event began by invoking God’s blessings followed by lighting of the lamp and reciting of the shlokas. Before his mesmerizing performance, he introduced his Tabla and Sitar to the students and parents sitting in the audience. He explained to the audience about the value of Indian classical music and its significance across the globe.

He even mentioned the importance of Ragas which make our Indian Classical music unique from the Western world. The two musical maestros performed ‘Raag Dopahar’ to enthrall  the audience through the world of heavenly music. The most jaw-dropping performance of the day was ‘Tabla and Sitar Jugalbandi’ which made the event memorable for everyone. 

The unique tone and astute artistic sense of Ustad Shahid Parvez have become his hallmark as a respected performer and composer. His performance style inspired the GIIS students and teachers towards the Indian classical instruments. With his unique combination of emotional depth and brilliant technical mastery,

In his message, Ustadji said, “Learning English as a language is mandatory, wearing modern clothes is a necessity, and eating junk-fast food is perfectly acceptable, but these young children need to understand the importance of Indian culture and heritage. People across the world are far better than us in major arenas like arts, dance, sports, but they worship Indian Classical music and that’s what makes us unique in the world.” 

He also added, “I would suggest all of you to feel rather than understand the Indian classical music. Once you try to understand, it makes you analytical and you lose its essence of joy. It is just like Bollywood music but the only difference is that Indian classical musicians have clarity of concept.”

When asked about his secret of success by a student of GIIS Ahmedabad, he said, “You must understand that success is nothing but the combination of hard work, dedication and perseverance. It is important for everyone to work towards excellence rather than success. One working for success will have nothing in return.”

Anvesha of Grade 8B-AS shared her experience of attending the LLS, “I thoroughly enjoyed the show and wanted to rewind the time for a hundred times. I respect Ustad not because of his position but I witnessed him really enjoying playing the sitar. It was a privilege to see him playing the sitar with such a passion. The ‘sher’ at the end really made the show awesome. I am grateful to GIIS Ahmedabad for letting me witness this awful sight.”

In conclusion, the LLS session was fruitful for the students, parents and teachers. The words of wisdom shared by Ustadji enlightened the mind and souls of everyone present.