JK MONITOR - SaMaPa Awards 2024: Pt. Abhay Sopori announces the names of the prestigious SaMaPa awards

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October 2026

Details: Written by: JK Monitor News Network; Category: Bridging the World; Published: 14 November 2024

Nityanand Haldipur, Shashi Vyas, Kamalini Dutt, Harish Tiwari & Bashir Aarif amongst awardees

NEW DELHI: SaMaPa, the leading cultural organization and music academy of India has announced the names of the recipients of this year’s prestigious SaMaPa awards, the exclusive National level awards pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement was made by Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori, the Internationally acclaimed Santoor maestro and music composer, and the General Secretary of SaMaPa (Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts). Pandit Abhay Sopori revealed that the award will be presented during the 20^th Annual SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan, the top most classical music festival of Delhi NCR and one of the most prestigious music festivals of the country, on 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th of November 2024 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi.

The award committee included well-known educationist Prof. Aparna Sopori, Chairperson SaMaPa, eminent musicologist, critic and writer Pandit Vijay Shankar Mishra, Vice President SaMaPa, well-known writer Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, Director SaMaPa, senior music critics Pt. Ravindra Misra and Pt. Arun Chatterjee, and other members including Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori. SaMaPa awards are prestigious national level awards given every year to legendary and upcoming musicians and individuals who have contributed towards art and culture of India especially music.

SaMaPa is a cultural movement, which has translated from a deep-rooted vision of the Founding Chairman, the great music legend late Pandit Bhajan Sopori, the Saint of Santoor & King of Strings, in creating a unique, unbiased and empowering national level platform for presentation, propagation, and teaching of traditional music and performing arts for the artists and the young talents.

Pandit Samsar Chand Sopori ‘Kala Vardhan’ Samman 2024 is being conferred upon Sh. Shashi Vyas – Pancham Nishad (Mumbai) for the immense and unparalleled contribution to the field of art and culture. Named in honour of the revered Saint and Master Musician of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandit Samsar Chand Sopori, grandfather of Pt. Bhajan Sopori, this award celebrates his timeless influence and the enduring impact of his artistic vision on future generations.

Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori ‘Sangeet Tejasvi’ Samman 2024 is being conferred upon Pandit Harish Tiwari (Delhi) for his achievements and contribution to Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal). The award is named after the Great Master Musician Pt. Shamboo Nath Sopori ji, revered as the “Father of Classical Music” in Jammu and Kashmir, a legend who created hundreds of musical icons. This award embodies his lifelong mission of dedication to music and serves to recognize future legends of India.

SaMaPa Vitasta Samman 2024 is being conferred upon the veteran Flute maestro Pandit Nityanand Haldipur (Mumbai) for his lifelong contribution to Hindustani Classical Music (Instrumental - Flute).

SaMaPa SaMaPa Nund Rishi Samman 2024 is being conferred upon Shri Shri Bashir Aarif (Jammu & Kashmir) for his immense contribution to the field of Kashmiri Literature as a Poet and Writer.

SaMaPa Acharya Abhinavgupt Samman 2024 is being conferred upon Shri Alok Paradkar (Lucknow) for his immense contribution to the field of art and culture as an Art Critic & Journalist.

SaMaPa Yuva Ratan Samman 2024 is being conferred upon Mohan Brothers - Shri Lakshay Mohan & Shri Aayush Mohan (Delhi) in recognition of their conspicuous talent and achievements in the field of Hindustani Classical Music (Instrumental – Sitar & Sarod).

SaMaPa Award of Excellence 2024 is being conferred upon Smt. Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt, the veteran Television Director, Archivist, Scholar and Dance Guru for her immense contribution to Indian art & culture.

October 2026

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In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness profoundly shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at In Loving Memory · Dr. Priya Ranjan

When he appointed me Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor, he never treated me as an employee, but as a younger brother, offering warmth, trust, respect and invaluable guidance. I will always be grateful for his faith in me, his encouragement and the lessons he shared.

Dr. Ranjan was a rare and noble soul—humble, compassionate, intellectually brilliant and always willing to help others. A visionary thinker, he believed in using knowledge and abilities to make a meaningful difference. His influence lives on through the people he guided, the work he inspired and the countless lives he touched.

For me, he will always be the elder brother who believed in me and guided me with affection. I will cherish his kindness and lessons forever. May his soul rest in eternal peace. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

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We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan. IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

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