Prof. Mehta: A Legacy of Excellence in Hindustani Classical Music
The journey of a true maestro is often mirrored in the recognition they receive from their peers, academic institutions, and the state. Prof. Mehta has dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Hindustani Music—the classical music tradition of North India—earning a prestigious array of honors that span several decades.
From early academic recognition to the highest civilian honors, Prof. Mehta's career reflects a profound commitment to both the performance and the scholarly study of musicology.
Key Facts
- Recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2009), one of India's highest civilian awards.
- Awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2008.
- Holds honorary doctorates in both Music (1967) and Literature (2014).
- Recognized for his literary contribution to music through the Sangeetvikas Award (2011).
- Honored by multiple state governments, including the Government of Gujarat.
Academic and Scholarly Achievements
Prof. Mehta's contributions extend beyond performance into the realm of academic excellence. His scholarly approach to music was recognized early in his career when he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Music from the Akhil Bharatiya Ghandarva Mahavidyalaya Mandal in 1967.
His intellectual pursuit of the arts culminated in further high-level recognition, including an honorary degree of Doctor of Literature awarded by Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, in 2014. Additionally, his written work, Indian Classical Music & Gharana Tradition, earned him the Sangeetvikas Award in 2011, an honor instituted by the journal Samakalika Sangeetham.
National Honors and Fellowships
Throughout his career, Prof. Mehta has been granted several prestigious fellowships that signify his standing in the Indian cultural landscape. In 1983, he was awarded an Emeritus Fellowship by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Government of India, followed by the Sarangadeva Fellowship from Sursingar Samsad in 1988.
One of the most significant milestones in his career was the conferment of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2008, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2009, marking his immense contribution to the arts at a national level.
Distinguished Awards and Recognitions
Prof. Mehta has been honored by various trusts and institutes for his lifelong service to music. Notable among these is the SRA-ITC award (1990) for distinguished services to Hindustani Music and the "Shrestha Sangeeracharya" Award (1993) from the Pt. Bhatkhande Institute of Music and Musicology.
His impact is also evident in regional honors, such as the State Award for Music and the Pt. Omkar Nath Thakur Award, both granted by the Government of Gujarat.
| Year | Award/Honour | Granting Body |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Honorary Doctor of Music | Akhil Bharatiya Ghandarva Mahavidyalaya Mandal |
| 1978 | State Award for Music | Govt. of Gujarat |
| 1983 | Emeritus Fellowship | Ministry of Education and Culture, Govt. of India |
| 1990 | SRA-ITC Award | ITC |
| 1993 | Shrestha Sangeeracharya Award | Pt. Bhatkhande Institute of Music and Musicology |
| 2008 | Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship | Sangeet Natak Akademi |
| 2009 | Padma Bhushan | Government of India |
| 2014 | Honorary Doctor of Literature | Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest civilian honor received by Prof. Mehta?
Prof. Mehta was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2009, which is one of the highest civilian awards in India.
Which book earned Prof. Mehta the Sangeetvikas Award?
He received the Sangeetvikas Award in 2011 for his book titled Indian Classical Music & Gharana Tradition, published by Read Worthy Publications (P) Ltd.
How many honorary doctorates does Prof. Mehta hold?
Prof. Mehta holds two honorary doctorates: one in Music (1967) and one in Literature (2014).
Which government bodies have recognized his work?
His work has been recognized by the Government of India (through the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Padma Bhushan) and the Government of Gujarat (through the State Award for Music and the Pt. Omkar Nath Thakur Award).
What is the significance of the Shrestha Sangeeracharya Award?
Awarded in 1993 by the Pt. Bhatkhande Institute of Music and Musicology, this award recognizes his excellence as a teacher and scholar of music.