Panaji, February 15, 2016 ….. Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar has said that the office of the Prime Minister has recognized the varied cultural forms of art in Goa and has taken cognizance of the contribution of renowned Harmonium player from Borim Pt. Tulshidas Borkar for conferring him the prestigious civilian honour of Padma Shri Award for this year for his dedication and immense contribution to Hindustani Classical music.
Defence Minister was speaking after felicitating Pandit Tulshidas Borkar a noted harmonium player and music maestro of Goa who has bagged the prestigious civilian honour of Padma Shri Award in the distinguished presence of Industries Minister Shri Mahadev Naik, Dy. Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shri Vishnu Surya Naik Wagh organized by Nagrik Sammittee at a function held at Shree Navdurga Mandir Sabhamandap, Borim, Goa recently.
Speaking further Shri Parrikar said conferring Padma Shri on Tulshidas Borkar is a proud moment and prestige to Goans and added that after Bakibab Borkar Shri Tulshidas Borkar has bagged the Padma Shri for his dedicated efforts and love for Harmonium. Acclaimed as a performer par excellence, brilliant composer and revered Guru, Pandit Tulsidas Borkar is one of the most outstanding musicians of India, he added.
Dy. Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Vishnu Surya Naik Wagh said, Shri Tulshidas Borkar has not forgotten his birth place Borim who has given him name and fame. He said though Borkar achieved excellence and toured many countries for his love and affection to Harmonium. The State of Goa has given number of Harmonium players to the country as compared to other parts of the nation, he added.
Shri Wagh further said Pandit Borkar was inspired to take up music by his mother Jaishreebai Borkar and sister who listened his classical singing in Bombay. In his quest to acquire knowledge, he had the opportunity of receiving valuable guidance from some veteran vocalists like ‘Pt. S.C.R.Bhatt’, ‘Pt .K.G.Ginde’, ‘Pt. Rajaram Shukla’, ‘Pt. Murli Manohar Shukla’, ‘Pt. Ram Marathe’ and instrumentalists like ‘Pt. Devendra Murdeshwar (Flute)’ and ‘Pt. A.P.Phatak (Violin)’ from whom he got to learn the intricacies of the Khayal tradition of North Indian (Hindustani) Classical Music, Shri Wagh added. He said Pandit Tulshidas Borkar has extensively researched in terms of improving the tonal quality, tuning and other technical aspects of the Harmonium, thereby giving different visual and sound dimensions to the instrument.
Shri Wagh also complimented Industries Minister Shri Mahadev Naik for felicitating Pandit Borkar in his native place which he said is indeed a laudable initiative which will go a long way in motivating the young and upcoming artist to develop their talents.
In his welcome address Industries Minister Shri Mahadev Naik expressed happiness for having accepted the felicitation invitation by Pandit Tulshidas Borkar from the people of Shiroda and said that Pandit Borkar has gained name and fame for his dedicated efforts in the field of Harmonium. He said, Government is making efforts with sincerity, zeal and enthusiasm, to further enrich the cultural treasure and heritage of the state. He said in Shiroda area 14 Music teachers have been appointed for imparting training to the music students who should utilize their talents and time for bringing out some new themes in order to make a deep imprint on the minds of younger generation.
The function was also attended by Shri Vinay Tendulkar, President Bhartiya Janata Party, Shri Deepak Naik Borkar, ZP Member, Smt. Pratibha Borkar, Smt. Parimal Samant, Sarpanch, Shri Minanath Upadhye, Vice President of the Samittee, Shri Sudesh Borkar and others.
Students from Vivekanand Vidyalaya Borim presented welcome song. Shri Govind Bhagat and Shri Girish Velguenkar compered the function. Shri Sudesh Borkar later proposed vote of thanks.
