Aug 22, 2006 :: Bismilla Khan, an Indian icon

For a man who was all of 90 years when he died yesterday, Bismillah Khan, the shehnai grandmaster, has triggered off a wave of national grief. If Banaras is the soul of India, the Ustad was the soul of Banaras. He was charmingly, defiantly loyal to his values.

Winner of the highest national award, the Bharat Ratna, he spurned ostentatious living, but provided for a household of 66. He preferred to travel by cycle rickshaws and trains and chose modest hotels when he travelled. A devout Muslim who prayed five times a day, he was also a devotee of Baba Vishwanath of Kashi and Goddess Saraswati. He refused to air-condition his house since his neghbours could not afford to do likewise.

He spurned a Rockefeller Fellowship that would have required him to live away from his beloved Banaras, asking “where will I find Baba Vishwanath and Ganga?”

Get to know him at this link.