Vocalist Som Datt Battu attends IIAS foundation day in Himachal's Shimla

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 20 : Padma Shri awardee and classical vocalist Som Datt Battu attended the 59th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on Sunday.
Battu, who was conferred with the esteemed Padma Shri earlier in May this year, was honoured at the event. The event took place at the Institute's Pool Theatre and featured various cultural and literary performances, an official release said.
During the event, Battu shared his thoughts on music and culture in his address. Director of the Institute Professor Raghavendra P Tiwari gave a virtual welcome address on occasion.
As per the release, the Vice Chairman of the Institute, Professor Shailendra Raj Mehta, and the Chairperson of the Governing Body, Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, were among the other speakers, who addressed the audience virtually, highlighting the importance of the Institute and its Foundation Day.

The program featured a Saraswati Vandana by Kritika Sharma, followed by a dance performance by Trisha Paul and a poetry recitation by scholar Aadya Dixit. Scholar Nibedita Banerjee performed a Bengali song. Additionally, Umamaheshwari Anantani staged a theatrical performance titled "Agniputri Panchali", the release mentioned.
The celebration witnessed participation from the Institute's officials, Fellows, associates, and staff members, it added.