My First Akashvani Concert – A Childhood Musical Journey

 ✨ At the age of 11, I performed my first Akashvani concert in Jamshedpur during the International Year of the Child (1979). Guided by Akashvani Ranchi’s musicians and inspired by my mother, this concert marked the true beginning of my lifelong journey in music.

Symbol of All India Radio – a gateway for countless artists, including my own beginnings

Music has been an inseparable part of my life from the very beginning. My mother, Pratima Parkhie, sang regularly for Akashvani Ranchi, and I grew up surrounded by melodies. Even as a tiny child, musicians from Akashvani would hold me on their laps or make me sit with them while they played—moments that forged a special bond between me and the world of music. Perhaps that’s why the artists at Akashvani always welcomed me with so much warmth and encouragement. 

Among the mentors who shaped my early years, Shri Prabhakar Sonwalkar, a senior music producer at Akashvani Ranchi, holds a special place. He loved and encouraged me since childhood, and during shows in Bokaro Steel City, our home often became a temporary stay for him and other musicians. Those visits were invaluable, allowing me to absorb countless songs and ghazals directly from these gifted artists.

I also had the privilege of learning from Pt. Kashi Mishra, a sarangi player at Akashvani Ranchi, who stayed at our home when I was very young. He taught me a Kabir Das bhajan, “Kuch Lena Na Dena, Magan Rehna”, and the melody he shared has stayed with me to this day. 

• The official emblem of the International Year of the Child 1979 — celebrating the bond between adult and child

All of these experiences culminated in a defining milestone: my first Akashvani concert at the age of 11, held in Jamshedpur, at a bustling auditorium as part of the International Year of the Child (1979) celebrations. Artists from several other cities participated, making it a vibrant, inspiring musical event.For my performance, I presented two special pieces:

• The bhajan, “Bhaj Man Ram Charan” by Tulsidas, set to music by my mother, Pratima Parkhie.

• The ghazal, “Nazar Ki Pyaas Bujhao Ki Raat Jaati Hai” by shayar Shamim Farooqui, taught and composed for me by Shri Prabhakar Sonwalkar.

My senior from St. Xavier's Bokaro, Ajay Ponkshe, also performed classical music and received praise for his artistry. Leading newspapers of that time covered the event, highlighting the talent and energy of the young performers. This concert was a defining experience in my childhood and gave me the confidence to continue pursuing music with dedication and passion.

Looking back, these experiences—from being surrounded by musicians as a child to performing on stage at 11—were foundational to my musical journey. Akashvani Ranchi and its artists not only provided opportunities but also guided and inspired me. Those moments instilled in me a lifelong love for ghazals and classical music, shaping the singer I am today.