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A TRIBUTE
TO RAMESHWAR SAHAI
4th April
1922 - 9th September 1991
 Rameshwar
Sahai was born into a well-to-do family at Allahabad on
4th April 1922. He studied law and was a respected advocate
practising for the state of Uttar Pradesh. In 1987 he
was honoured by the Royal Society of London in 1987.
In 1952
he succeeded his uncle in becoming Joint Secretary to Prayag
Sangit Samiti. He was to devote a large part of his life
to building this Organisation into one of the most important
organisations for the preservation and development of music
and dance in North India.
Prayag
Sangit Samiti which is situated in Allahabad, carries out
several activities in the field of North Indian music and
dance. It holds examinations from beginners level to Post
Graduate level and has three branches in Allahabad where
about 500 students learn vocal and instrumental music and
dance. The scale and influence of the work of this Organisation
is demonstrated by the fact that it holds examinations at
about 1300 centres all over India and abroad with a total
of 125,000 students appearing every year.
Rameshwar
Sahai was largely responsible, along with Mr J N Pathak,
in creating this network of examination centres throughout
the Northern parts of India, and for creating a big building
and an auditorium for the institution. And it was due to
his vision and support that Pandit Ram Sangit Vidyalaya
was able to establish the Prayag Sangit Samiti system of
examinations in the UK. This work is monumental in size
and influence and owes its existence to the tireless efforts
of Rameshwar Sahai.
As a
result of the second world war and big social changes in
India the system of holding music conferences had crumbled
and it required a person of Rameshwar Sahai's determination
to organise annual conferences once again. These conferences
regained the prestige of the past. This was all due to the
organising ability of Rameshwar Sahai.
Rameshwar
Sahai had pleasing manners and laughter and his vision was
coupled with a practical understanding of the ways of the
world. He was honoured in 1972 by the Uttar Pradesh Sangit
Natak Academy for his contribution to the field of music
and dance. He will be remembered for a long time for his
selfless service to music.
Written
By:
SHANTARAM V KASHALKAR
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