Legendary Santoor Maestro and Music Composer Pandit Bhajan Sopori has been honoured with the prestigious "Baba Allaudin Khan Award". The award was presented to him in a glittering function in Delhi at India Habitat Center. Pandit Sopori has been honoured for his lifetime service to the field of music and culture. He was felicitated by presenting him with a memento, shawl and bouquet. Pandit Sopori in his speech thanked the organization and appreciated its efforts in contributing towards strengthening the culture of Delhi. The awarded was presented by Sh. Jawahar Sircar Secretary Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.
Pandit Bhajan Sopori is regarded as the cultural bridge of the State of Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of the country, and is hailed as the "Saint of the Santoor" and the "King of Strings" for being the pioneer in establishing the Santoor on national and international platforms. His style of playing called the 'Sopori Baaj' is acclaimed as the most distinctive style of playing Classical Santoor. A highly learned person, Pandit Sopori combines a profound knowledge of music and musicology. He has led the revival of Sufism to spread the message of humanism amongst the masses. He has composed almost 5000 songs in different languages with various patriotic songs of India which have been received as master pieces and major musical hits of the country. His compositions bear the distinctive stamp of his virtuosity and erudition and have featured some of the most eminent musicians of the country. He has used his Santoor and his compositions to highlight the concept of oneness and foster unity enshrining the idea of national integration, humanism and peace amongst the common man and the youth in particular. For his enormous contributions, he has received numerous awards including the prestigious Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Academy Award, J&K State Award, National Flag Honour of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Delhi Ratan Award, Delhi Telugu Academy Award, Beenkar Samman, Sangeet Vibhuti Award, Sangeet Ratna Award, etc.
