The Launch of Rishal Music Trust (RMT) at India International Centre, New Delhi
On 27th October 2025, the India International Centre, New Delhi, hosted a special moment in India’s cultural landscape-the formal launch of the Rishal Music Trust (RMT). The evening brought together artists, thought leaders, artistic patrons, and young talent to celebrate an idea at the heart of the Trust’s mission: “Lakshmi Meets Saraswati – When Industry Meets Art.”
A Vision Where Prosperity Connects With Culture
Rishal Music Trust (RMT) is built on a simple yet profound belief:
India’s future is strongest when economic growth evolves hand in hand with the preservation of its artistic heritage.
The theme “Lakshmi Meets Saraswati” reflects this philosophy. It symbolizes the union of:
- Lakshmi – prosperity, resilience, and enterprise
- Saraswati – knowledge, art, and timeless culture
This harmony represents the Trust’s core mission-to create pathways that enable artists to receive not just recognition, but also dignity, opportunity, and sustainable support.
Guided by Leadership With Purpose
The Trust is led by Chairman & Chief Patron, Harvansh Chawla–
Distinguished Lawyer, Founder & Managing Partner of K R Chawla & Co.(Law Firm), Government Nominee on the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Chairman – TNN World (OT) of the International Punjabi Forum (IPF), and Chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Under his guidance, the Trust aims to nurture India’s musical legacy through meaningful initiatives that connect artists, audiences, scholars, and industries.
The leadership includes distinguished cultural advocates like:
- Pt. Rajendra Prasanna – Co Chairman, National Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee & Grammy Award Certified
- Dr. Sushi Singh
- Nutan Jain
- K.J. Alphons
- Ashok Kumar Singh
- Pradeep Jain
- Dr. Parvez Hyaat (IPS)
- Jaspal Singh (IPS)
- Mehinder Sharma
- Dr. B.B.L Madhukar
- Yashovardhan Azad (IPS)
- Sumit Dang
- Dr. Kittu Siddhu
- Rosy Ahluwalia
- Neha Jain Narang
- Dr. Moumita Nandy
- Yashna Dham
- Shivpreet Singh Kapoor
- Pranav Jain
- Dr. Jagriti Luthra Prasanna
- Rakesh Mehta
- Santosh Nahar
- Rishab Prasanna
- Ustad Puranchand Wadali
- Ustad Ghulam Ali
- Pt. Anup Jalota
- Vidhushi Sumitra Guha
- Vidhushi Nalini & Kamilini
- Pt.Shivnath Mishra
- Janab Muzaffar Ali
- Ashok Chakradhar
- Pt.Ronu Majumdar
- Pt.Umakant Gundecha
- Ritwik Sanyal
- Bhai Harjinder Singh (Srinagar Wale)
- Ustad Ahmed Hussain & Ustad Mohammad Hussain
- Pt. Bharti Bandhu
- Pt. Shashidhar Acharya
- Ustad Moinuddin Khan
- Ustad Gulfam Ahmed
- Govind Namdev
- Himani Shivpuri
- Raghubir Yadav
- Adil Hussain
- Mukesh Tiwari
- Yashpal Sharma
- Rajesh Tailang
The Trust has foundational contributions from:
Monika Kapoor, Hemanandh V., and Rajesh Prasanna.
Together, they represent a collective commitment to championing Indian classical and folk arts in the modern world.
An Evening of Artistry and Inspiration
The launch event welcomed a remarkable gathering of artists, including 14 Padma Shri awardees, eminent cultural figures, business leaders, and emerging talents. Their presence reflected the Trust and respect that the artistic community places in this new initiative.
The evening opened with a warm introduction by the founder trustees, setting the tone for a gathering rooted in respect for tradition and enthusiasm for the future.
A captivating classical performance by the Prasanna Brothers, recipients of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, brought the evening’s theme to life. Their recital showcased the depth, discipline, and joy of India’s classical music tradition.
The programme also included the unveiling of “Sufi Music: Through the Eye of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan”, authored by Dr. Jagriti Luthra Prasanna and published by B.R. Rhythms. The launch, led collectively by Padma Shri awardees and industry leaders, highlighted the Trust’s vision of promoting scholarship alongside performance.
Reflections From the Chairman
During his address, Harvansh Chawla shared the deeper purpose behind the Trust:
“India’s artistic heritage is not just a cultural treasure-it is the heartbeat of our identity. Our responsibility is to ensure that artists are supported not only with appreciation but with dignity, sustainability, and pride.”
His message resonated with the audience, reaffirming the Trust’s intention to bridge the gap between tradition and modern society, and between artistic passion and meaningful livelihood.
Honouring Those Who Keep the Flame Alive
As the evening progressed, the Trust extended heartfelt acknowledgements to the patrons, advisors, and artists who have supported this vision from the beginning. It was a celebration of collective purpose-of communities coming together to protect and promote the legacy of Indian music.
A Beginning That Looks Toward the Future
The launch of the Rishal Music Trust (RMT) marks the start of a larger cultural mission-one dedicated to revitalizing India’s artistic traditions and providing sustained platforms for artists across the country.
In the months ahead, the Trust will introduce a series of programs and initiatives, including:
- Mentorship and training programmes
- Artist residencies and fellowships
- Classical music concerts and baithaks
- Collaborations with cultural institutions and industries
- Documentation and archival projects
With the guidance of its leadership and the blessings of its patrons, Rishal Music Trust (RMT) aims to create spaces where India’s artistic heritage is celebrated, protected, and carried forward with pride.
Where Enterprise Embraces Art
The Trust believes that a nation thrives when its progress is rooted in cultural strength.
When Lakshmi meets Saraswati-when industry meets art-society discovers balance, purpose, and a deeper sense of identity.
The launch at IIC marks the first step in this journey, and the Rishal Music Trust (RMT) is committed to nurturing the artists, traditions, and cultural stories that define India’s musical soul.