Thane to hold Vitthal Umap's 16th death anniversary concert at Gadkari Rangayatan on Nov 26

A music event has been organised in Thane to remember Lokshahir Vitthal Umap. The "Lokshahir Vitthal Umap Smruti Sangeet Samaroh" is being held on his 16th death anniversary, with a musical tribute to his memory.

The programme will be held at 6 pm on November 26 at Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane. The Vitthal Umap Foundation's "Mridgandh Awards" will also be presented on the same stage. People who have made significant contributions in different fields of society will be honoured.

Vitthal Umap was known for his powerful voice and his devotion to folk art. With these, he enriched Maharashtra's cultural tradition. He wove folk art, folk music and social awareness together in his performances. The senior shahir, who received the Sangeet Natak Akademi's national award, gave folk tradition a new identity with his distinctive singing. He is no longer with us, yet his songs and the legacy of his art live on in the memories of his admirers.

According to the organisers, the event will pay tribute to Vitthal Umap's artistic contribution and will also seek to carry the folk art he nurtured to the new generation.

Nandesh Umap shared his feelings about the event. He said, "Baba's memory is not just a memory for me, but an inseparable part of my life and my art. Carrying forward the legacy of the place he made in people's hearts with his voice is a matter of pride for me. He is not with me today, yet his songs, his thoughts and his love for folk art inspire me at every step."

Nandesh Umap further said, "While paying tribute to Baba through the Vitthal Umap Smruti Sangeet Samaroh, I have only one feeling in my mind: that the folk art he nurtured should live on and reach the new generation. Being able to honour, through the Mridgandh Awards, those who work wholeheartedly for society is an emotional opportunity for me to carry Baba's work forward."

The Vitthal Umap Foundation was established in 2012. The foundation has so far helped many people in need. Upholding a legacy of folk art along with social service, Nandesh Umap has carried forward the work of Lokshahir Vitthal Umap.

Many well-known personalities have previously received the Mridgandh Awards. They include Padma Shri Shahir Sable, Na. Dho. Mahanor, Ashok Patki, Sulochana Chavan, Subodh Bhave, Vikram Gokhale, Padma Shri Dr Abhay Bang, Dr Nilesh Sable, Madhumangesh Karnik, Prashant Damle, Prajakta Koli, Jayant Savarkar, Padma Shri Dr Ravindra Kolhe, Padma Shri Padma Kolhe, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Sudesh Bhosle, Sumeet Raghavan, Chinmayee Sumeet, Ketaki Mategaonkar, Bhimrao Panchale and Rinku Rajguru.

This year too, the event is set to bring together music, culture and social contribution.