The penultimate evening of the ‘Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav – 2025’ transformed into a stirring celebration of national spirit as Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan took centre stage with a rousing concert titled ‘Rashtra Aradhana.’ In a packed amphitheatre at the Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education Grounds, the acclaimed musician awakened a powerful sense of patriotism through an evocative selection of Sangh geet, devotional hymns and beloved Bollywood numbers. Mahadevan opened the evening with serene invocations ‘Sur Niragas’, ‘Ekdantaya Vakratundaya.’ and a soul-stirring ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, immediately drawing thousands of listeners into a devotional rhythm. Describing the day as ‘very special’, he revealed that he had re-composed several timeless Sangh songs for a newly released album, Ajaramar Sangh Geet, dedicated to the RSS centenary year.

 

“As a responsible citizen, I want these songs to reach the next generation and inspire true love for the nation,” he said before launching into Atal Behari Vajpayee’s ‘Nirmanon Ke Pavan Yug Mein.’ From ‘Balsagar Bharat Hovo..’ and ‘Hum Karen Rashtra Aradhan..’ to ‘Ekta Swatantrata Samanta Rahe..’ and the ever-energetic ‘Charaiveti Charaiveti..’ Mahadevan’s patriotic repertoire swept across the grounds like a unifying wave. His renditions—rich, resonant and deeply emotive—left the audience visibly moved. Complementing him effortlessly were his son Shivam Mahadevan, Prakriti Giri and Nagpur’s own Srinidhi Ghatate whose youthful energy lent refreshing dynamism to the stage. Their renditions of ‘Bol Na Halke Halke..,’ ‘Ae Watan, Jinda..,’ ‘Mitwa..’ and ‘Kal Ho Na Ho..,’ enriched the evening with cinematic nostalgia.

 

The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Guardian Minister; Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State; Pravin Datke, MLA; Dr Ravinder Singal, Commissioner of Police; Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, Municipal Commissioner, NMC; Rajesh Loya, Mahanagar Sanghchalak, RSS; Rajendra Purohit, Managing Director, The Hitavada and others were prominently present for the programme. Bal Kulkarni and Renuka Deshkar compered the programme that stood out as one of the festival’s most uplifting sessions—an unforgettable blend of music, emotion and patriotic fervour, echoing long after the final note faded into the Nagpur night. Today’s event Evening session: Ajay-Atul live in concert - 6 pm