NDS pays Tributes and Homage to Tabla Mastereo Rajinder Kumar Raina
Jammu, May 20: NDS paid rich tributes and homage to Late Shri Rajinder Kumar Raina on his 'Uthala Ceremony". NDS expressed deep shock and grief on his untimely demise. An eminent and renowned tabla player of the state Mr Raina performed at national and international levels and brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir. He explored new horizons in the field of tabla playing with his magic fingers. He took forward Jenab Allah Raha ji's Dogra legacy of tabla with zeal and dedication. Struggle and lifetime achievements of Mr Raina are a source of inspiration for the budding and young artists.
The NDS fraternity was visibly shocked to recall that only a fortnight back before his passing away he was felicitated with 'Ustad Allah Rakha Ji Award' for his outstanding contribution in the field of Music (Tabla Maestro) as proud son of Duggar by NDS, which he accepted and received smilingly accompanied by his wife Sudesh Raj former senior Programme Executive AIR, his daughter Swati Sharma and son-in-law Bhumesh Sharma. On that day his disciples, fans, admirers, friends and eminent artists had participated in large numbers and he was very happy and jubilant on the occasion but unfortunately, it turned out to be his last public appearance and he exited in Narayana Hospital on 9th May 2019 while under treatment there.
Office bearers of NDS and Artists have paid rich tributes to Mr Raina and said that his passing away has created a big void in the literary and artistic circles of the state and his services in the field of art and music shall be remembered forever.
Shri Rajinder Kumar Raina, born in the family and neighbourhood legacy of music in the year 1942 in Jammu was initiated under the tutelage of his uncle Pt. Jagdish Dutt Sharma. During the decade 1940s and 50s Jammu experienced vibrant cultural practices wherein classical music flourished and became part of cities social life and also got groomed and trained in this vibrant cultural environment. After successful completion of his matriculation got enrolled in graduation course. Based on his inclination, aptitude, talent and hard work he successfully qualified the degree of Sangeet Praveen at the age of twenty and topped in the North Zone. Later he was selected for performance in all India competition New Delhi and also became senior grade artist of "AIR - All India Radio". As an artist in Songs and Drama Division of GOI, he performed in many cities which include his participation in Bhajan Sandhya at Rashtrapati Bhavan with Sarv Palli Radhakrishnan presiding over. After the opening of Institute of Music and Fine Arts in Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Rajinder Kumar Raina who had by then matured into a sensitive accompanist to both instrumental and vocal artists also joined IMFA Jammu in 1967.
After serving IMFA for three years he was selected for scholarship to learn advanced lessons of Banaras Gharana from Padam Bhushan "Shri Pandit Kishan Maharaj Ji" where he was exposed to three years apprenticeship with guru "Shri Kishan Ji Maharaj" there he was exposed to great tradition of Banaras Gharana and accompanied his Guru during concerts in many cities and got opportunity to meet and interact with many maestros of international repute. After the return from Banaras, he was an evolved musician and could play as solo artist and accompanist with excellence and trained many local students.
Shri Rajinder Kumar Raina's significant milestone was his selection and posting as International Tabla instructor in Music Centre "Guyana - South America" for three years in 1990 there he was cultural Ambassador of India & Emissary by way of his performances and training students in Georgetown about Classical Music. Credit also goes to him for his solo performance on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of India's Independence in the special show of Ballet 'Dhola Maru' as memorable. He also has the distinction of composing patriotic songs one each for Guyana and India during the programme. All along he has participated in many concerts and programmes of classical and light music organised by Radio Kashmir Jammu, Srinagar & Leh, Doordarshan Jammu, Srinagar & Leh and other premier organisations and Banaras, Allahabad and Delhi. He also gave a solo performance at Ohio - USA. He has performed with Legend & eminent artists like Hanuman Prasad Ji, Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Rita Ganguly, Girija Devi, Jyotin Bhattacharya, Ustad Hafeez Ahmed Khan, Ustad Ahmad Khan, Ustad Mohammed Hussain, Shaheed Praveen, Prakash Vadhera, Ganga Ram Pathak and Swami Dr. Patrikar.
He played music in making of LP record for "Shri Maharishi Mahesh Yogi" at Delhi by the title "Call Of The Valley". Out of all his achievements his most memorable & lifetime achievement was on special invitation by "Shri Maharshi Mahesh Yogi" he played Table as a solo chart & as a group along with the World Icon & Legendary Rock Band "THE BEATLES" and also accompanied to play Tabla with solo artist's George Harrison and Scottish singer Paul Donavan & also performed along with his dear friend Shri Vachaspati Sharma for Frank Sinatra show.
With his tireless and committed service, he retired as Senior Instructor from IMFA Jammu. Indian Council for Cultural Relations felicitated him with a lifetime achievement award. Recognising his meritorious services J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Radio Kashmir, Jammu also felicitated him.