The passing of a maestro: Pandit V G Jog (1921 - 2004)
Pandit Vishnu Govind Jog, the internationally acclaimed violin maestro of India, died at
his south Kolkata residence on Saturday, January 31, 2004 after a prolonged illness. He
was 83. According to family sources, the maestro was suffering from respiratory problems
for the past few years. The Executive Director of ITC SRA, Amit Mukerjee, accompanied by
gurus Girija Devi, Shruti Sadolikar and Ulhas Kashalkar visited his home to pay their last
respects.
Hailing from Maharashtra, Pandit Jog began his training at the age of twelve and was
subsequently groomed under some of the finest musicians of India, like Baba Allauddin Khan
and Pandit S. N. Ratanjankar. To Pandit Jog goes the credit of single-handedly
transforming a western musical instrument, the violin, into a major and independent
instrument in Hindustani Classical Music. He was unquestionably the 'Violin Samrat' for
all time to come.
Pandit Jog performed in all the major concert stages of the world. The Carnegie Hall, the
Lincoln Center, and the Madison Square Garden of New York have been the venues of his
scintillating performances. He had also won numerous awards, including the Sangeet Natak
Akademi award, the ITC award and the Padma Bhushan, All these eloquently reflect the
universal recognition of his dedicated contributions to Hindustani Classical instrumental
Music. His extensive knowledge and skilful artistry are legendary among lovers of Indian
Classical Music all over the world.
He was associated with All India Radio (AIR), Kolkata. He was also a distinguished Member
of the Experts Committee of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy.
A condolence meeting was held at ITC SRA on February 4, 2004. Both gurus and shishyas paid
homage to and mourned the demise of the great maestro. Girija Devi, Dipali Nag, Shruti
Sadolikar and Kumar Mukherjee spoke of their long-time association with the legend. All of
them remembered the wonderful human being that the maestro was.
Moments with the maestro Pandit V
G Jog
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