New Delhi: Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated ‘MALHAR 2026’, a youth-centric, monsoon-themed celebration of Indian classical music, organised by Antar Hriday Connect in New Delhi on Friday. The event brought together the timeless traditions of Indian classical music with a contemporary focus on youth engagement and cultural expression.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President highlighted the deep cultural association between the monsoon and the Malhar family of ragas, which has traditionally been used by Indian musicians to evoke the beauty, energy and emotional richness of the rainy season. He described ‘MALHAR’ as a powerful symbol of renewal and transformation.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan observed that music has a unique ability to refresh the human spirit, awaken imagination and inspire hope. He emphasised that India’s classical music traditions are not merely forms of artistic expression but also important carriers of the country’s cultural heritage, values and collective memory.
The Vice President also underlined India’s extraordinary musical diversity, noting that different regions of Bharat have developed their own distinctive musical traditions, sounds and styles. Despite these differences, he said, music continues to serve as one of the strongest cultural threads connecting people across the country.
Highlighting the unity underlying India’s diversity, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan described the country’s cultural landscape as “many musical traditions, one shared spirit; many voices, one Bharat.” He said such cultural expressions strengthen the bonds of national unity while allowing diverse artistic traditions to flourish.
With its focus on young audiences and Indian classical music, MALHAR 2026 seeks to create a platform where tradition and contemporary cultural engagement can come together. The monsoon-themed celebration also highlights the continuing relevance of India’s rich musical heritage for younger generations.
The inauguration underscored the importance of encouraging youth participation in India’s cultural ecosystem and preserving the country’s classical traditions while presenting them in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences. MALHAR 2026 thus emerged as a celebration not only of music and the monsoon, but also of India’s enduring cultural unity and artistic diversity.