Renowned Santoor Player Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray Announced as Recipient of This Year’s Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Award
Pune, 28th September 2026: The annual Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Award jointly presented by Gurukul Kalashree Sangeet Mandal and The Aundh Social Foundation has been awarded to renowned santoor player Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray this year, announced Abhijit Gaikwad, President of The Aundh Social Foundation. The award consists of a cash prize of ₹11,000, a memento. The honor will be conferred upon Dr. Ray at the upcoming 13th Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Music Festival.
A senior disciple of the eminent santoor maestro Padmashri Pt. Bhajan Sopori, Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray is an internationally acclaimed santoor player, composer, and educator. He is particularly celebrated for his technical mastery over the instrument and his innovative approach to music, seamlessly blending classical tradition with contemporary expression in his performances.
Dr. Ray holds a Ph.D. in Santoor from Delhi University, along with an M.Phil. and a Master’s degree in Classical Vocal Music. He is a ‘Top Grade’ artist with All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan, and is empanelled under the ‘Outstanding Category’ by the Ministry of Culture. He is also an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). As the founder of the ‘Raganjali Academy of Performing Arts’, he actively contributes to mentoring and encouraging young talent through education, workshops, and intercultural collaborations.
