For the past 18 years, the Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust has been organizing an Annual Concert Series named “UGAM” The Rising Sun. This initiative was conceived by Padam Sachetiji in loving memory of his late father, Shri Inderchandji Sahib Sacheti. At the core of “UGAM” is Padam Sachetiji himself, a humble and unassuming individual who, despite being a successful businessman, has always harbored a deep passion for Indian Classical Music. His vision for “UGAM” has been to provide a platform not only for renowned legends of Indian Classical Music but also for budding vocal and instrumental artists.
Seeking guidance from the late Santoor Maestro Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Padam Sachetiji has dedicated his time and resources to the service of Indian Classical Music, culminating in the current success of the concert series. Supported by his devoted family members, including his wife Smt. Manju Ji, sons, and daughters-in-law, Padam Sachetiji has been able to attract celebrated maestros of Indian Classical Music to grace the stage with their mesmerizing performances. As a book titled “UGAM” is set to be published, I extend my heartfelt wishes for its success and hope that “UGAM” continues to thrive and shine on the global stage in the years ahead.
Padam ji has been an integral part of our family for over ten years. His steadfast commitment to promoting the rich heritage of Indian classical music serves as a shining example of how someone outside the music industry can become a key advocate for our traditional musical legacy. Padam ji shared a strong bond with my late father, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, and this connection is honored every 13th January, my father’s birthday, through musical celebrations featuring my Santoor.
At these events, deserving artists receive the Pt Shivkumar Sharma Samman award, a unique honor named after my father and previously after my late grandfather, Pt Uma Dutt Sharma, a thoughtful suggestion by Padam ji. UGAM stands as a significant milestone in providing scholarships to talented young individuals, made possible through Padam ji’s generosity. Lifetime achievement awards play a crucial role in preserving and promoting positivity and encouragement to deserving talents, ensuring that future generations are inspired by the legacy of great artists.
I believe music indeed reinforces creativity and the talents of individuals. So, friends, it’s a great experience for me to be with you today and to share the joy of honoring the two great exponents of music, especially using the name of the creator of Santoor Music. Today, we have some exclusive audio channels to spread the music of our legends. Likewise, the media can consider a TV program to enable the younger generation to listen to music played on ancient traditional instruments. I would suggest that electronic media can record and broadcast musical programs of legendary personalities who have played instruments like Santoor, Sarod, Jaltarang, Rudra Veena, etc.
This would be a significant service by electronic media for the preservation of music played by unique instruments played with purity of raga by eminent personalities. All television channels can participate in such programs. As a next step, music lovers and artists can also consider creating a dedicated channel for classical music in multiple languages. Friends, today’s organizations are making sports personalities their brand ambassadors in a similar fashion. Similarly, great musicians and those who have performed using unique instruments like Surbahar, Santoor, Tabla and Tarang can be sponsored as brand ambassadors
for organizations.
Such sponsorship will enable the artist to undertake the training of youth who have an aptitude to learn a particular instrument, even though they may not have the means to support their musical training. This could help create a certain amount of scholarship for musically inclined students as a full-time professional training activity. Our country has talented artists, and today I’m happy to be among those who have rendered sustained meritorious service and given happiness to the hearts of millions and millions of people in the country.
I am fully convinced that art, music, dance, drama give connectivity to the multiple variants in society and can elevate the minds of the people. On the other hand, many young artists from all over the country, especially [mention specific region], should be encouraged. I think I am in the right forum today. So, I urge all the artists present and the Trust to encourage young artists, giving them early recognition so that they can enter into the rich art culture of our country, which indeed needs nourishment in the form of young performance. I’m happy that the Trust instituted a scholarship scheme for junior artists in the memory of late Pandit Uma Dutt Sharmaji, friends. Whenever I think about the 1 billion people of our country and how to connect them, one thing always comes to my mind: our civilisation has given us certain unique binding and integrating factors like performing arts in various dance forms, Hindustani and Karnatak music, and various theatre art forms that are great integrators.
truly grateful for their significant contributions to music enthusiasts and learners. Padam ji’s deep admiration and affection for Hindustani classical music shine through, and through his continuous efforts, he impacts numerous lives by fostering a deep love and respect for classical music. May success accompany him in all his future ventures.
I have known Padamji for approximately 25 years now, and my admiration for him knows no bounds. He is not only a kind-hearted individual but also a dedicated contributor to the Indian classical music sector. His selfless efforts in this field are truly praiseworthy and deserving of recognition. The sincerity with which he undertakes his work without any ulterior motives is truly commendable.
Padam Ji is an exceptional individual who has made significant contributions to the field of philanthropy through his passion for music. Over the last three decades, I have had the honor of knowing him and witnessing his unwavering commitment to promoting Hindustani classical music through his musical initiative, Ugam. His endeavors have provided a platform for both renowned and emerging musicians to come together, offering a wonderful opportunity for music enthusiasts to enjoy
their performances.
In addition to his musical achievements, Padam Ji has also founded a thriving jewelry enterprise, Jaipur Gems, which has been thriving for more than half a century. His extraordinary accomplishments in both the realms of music and business serve as a true inspiration. He exemplifies to today’s youth that with perseverance and dedication, one can accomplish whatever they set their hearts on. I extend my best wishes to Padam Ji for his future ventures with Jaipur Gems and Ugam. His philanthropic contributions through music are truly praiseworthy, and his triumphs in the business sphere stand as a testament to his diligence and commitment. May he continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation to people for years to come.
Mr. Mangal Prabhat Lodha
Padam Ji and I have a longstanding friendship that spans two decades. He has dedicated himself to serving the community and has demonstrated admirable philanthropy through his musical endeavors. Establishing a platform like Ugam for musicians at varying stages of their careers is no easy task, yet Padam Ji has managed to accomplish this feat. By promoting Hindustani classical music, he plays a crucial role in upholding an important cultural heritage. Moreover, his remarkable success in the jewelry industry with Jaipur Gems over the past 50 years is truly impressive. Excelling in two distinct fields is a rarity, but Padam Ji does so with elegance and unwavering commitment.
His diligence, entrepreneurial drive, and remarkable achievements are truly motivational. In essence, Padam Ji is an extraordinary individual who has made a significant impact in the realms of music and business. I have full confidence that he will continue to achieve remarkable feats, and I extend my best wishes for his continued success with both Jaipur Gems and UGAM.
I believe that music represents the highest form of human imagination.
It serves as a profound means to convey our deepest emotions. As vocalists, we contribute to the vast realm of music in our unique manner, fully engrossed in our musical world during performances. However, there exists an essential administrative dimension that oversees this musical universe. Through the support of this administrative network, contemporary artists are exploring the frontiers of the music industry. One prominent figure in this administrative field is Shri Padam Sacheti, who originally hails from a jewelry background. While excelling in his jewelry business with integrity, Padam ji developed a passion for classical music, particularly inspired by Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. This inspiration led to the establishment of initiatives like ‘Udaan’, which have significantly impacted the world of music, providing a platform for emerging talents in Indian classical music and offering scholarships to deserving disciples recommended by their Gurus. For over two and a half decades, Shri Padam Sacheti has dedicatedly nurtured these initiatives, guided by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma ji’s vision for the well-being of music.
His program ‘Udan’ pays homage to his late father and celebrates the rich tradition of Indian classical music, welcoming a diverse range of artists, from seasoned performers like Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia to budding talents, providing them with opportunities to showcase their artistry. By meticulously supporting emerging artists just as he inspects each diamond in his jewelry business, Shri Padam Sacheti has made a lasting impact on the music industry, fostering a culture of volunteerism and promoting musical artistry while upholding his family’s business values. His unwavering commitment to musical excellence and his genuine appreciation for artists are evident in his conduct and actions, as he continues to organize musical events across various cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur. Shri Padam Sacheti’s quiet yet influential presence serves as a guiding light for artists, making him a true asset to the world of Indian classical music.
of honouring the significant contributions of Mr. Padam Sacheti to Indian Classical Music and its musicians. I sincerely pray for his ongoing good health and commendable dedication to upholding the rich cultural heritage of our nation.