Jammu: Renowned Santoor maestro Pandit (Dr.) Abhay Rustum Sopori was honoured with the Ravi Misri Award 2026, the 1st Community Cash Award, and bestowed the title ‘Vitasta Ratna’ by the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural Charitable Trust, Chennai and the Helpline Humanity, Jammu at a special ceremony held at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu.
A son of the soil and the present Uttaradhikari and Khalifa of the ancient Santoor tradition of India, Pandit Abhay Sopori is the custodian of the celebrated Sopori Sufiana Gharana of Kashmir, representing the fabled musical lineage of over 300 years rooted in Kashmir’s Shaivite-Sufi tradition. He received his musical training from his grandfather, the Great Master Musician late Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori, revered as the ‘Father of Classical Music’ in Jammu & Kashmir, and his father, the legendary Saint Musician Pandit Bhajan Sopori, acclaimed as the ‘Saint of Santoor’ and ‘King of Strings’. An internationally distinguished musician, composer and cultural figure, Pt. Abhay Sopori has received numerous national and international honours during his career. Beyond the concert stage, his contribution to the cultural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir has been significant. He has played an important role in the introduction and expansion of music education across the districts of J&K, nurturing young musicians and strengthening the institutional framework for music education. His sustained efforts also contributed towards the introduction of the Postgraduate Programme in Hindustani Music in Kashmir, a first in the history of the Valley.
The ceremony was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar as Chief Guest, former Director General of Police Dr. Ashok Bhan as Special Guest, and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (M) Arvind Karwani as Guest of Honour. Among those present were former Secretary to the Governor of Tamil Nadu and Managing Trustee of the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural Charitable Trust Dr. Chander Kanta Garyali, Helpline Humanity Board Member Prof. Indu Kilam, Deputy Commissioner Excise J&K Sanjay Bhat, Founder of Helpline Humanity M.K. Bhat, and several distinguished members of the community.
The 1st Community Cash Awards were presented to various eminent personalities of Kashmir. The Ravi Garyali Cash Award was presented to Dr. Agni Shekhar and Vikram Koul, the Indra Garyali Cash Award to Sandhya Dhar and Dr. Adividvadani Kaul, and the Ravi Misri Cash Award was conferred upon Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori and Ankur Bagati.
The programme recognised personalities who have excelled in their respective fields and contributed meaningfully to society and the Kashmiri Pandit community. Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner highlighted Kashmir’s historic legacy as a centre of knowledge, art and culture, while appreciating the resilience and achievements of the Kashmiri community despite the displacement and challenges of the 1990s. He lauded the organisers for honouring achievers and helping connect younger generations with their cultural heritage. The ceremony also featured cultural performances reflecting the rich artistic traditions of Kashmir.
