PatnaDaily
On 3 March 2021, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan would have turned 90: forty-five days shy, he passed away for his heavenly abode leaving the world of Hindustani classical music drowned in deep sadness.
A legendary vocalist, the Ustad belonged to the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana (in Uttar Pradesh) that had its roots traceable to the ancient period of classical singing and Mian Tansen. During his illustrious life time, he was studded with several laurels like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan or Padma Vibhushan. However, it was his persona that brought glory to these awards rather than the other way around.
India should have the utmost regard for him as the brightest symbol of continuity of Hindutva. He belonged to a cluster of families and the lineage that were deeply engaged in shastriya gayeeki (classical vocal rendering) derived from the Sama Veda. In the Sanatana Hindu tradition the Sama Veda or "The song of Knowledge'' is one of four Vedas that had a rich compilation of Vedic Sanskrit hymns, mantras and verses intended to be sung in praise of gods and goddesses epitomizing knowledge or power.