The 29th Bhaskar Rao Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan, organised by the Pracheen Kala Kendra, commenced with the symbolic picture of the future of classical world which is slowly going into the hands of the younger generation. Though they took time to warm up, with a lousy sound system and a few notes going astray here and there, it was like a gush in Raag Behag from the Heavens later on. And through their juxtaposed notes with the tabla taal, provided by Shafaat Ahmed Khan, the `chotte miyans' were really `suban-allah'.

But it was finally `wah, ustad!' only. For Amjad spoke candidly, after receiving the title of `Tantra Nayak' from the Kendra: on the recent award controversy and the honour for `mata' that is lacking in this country of Bharat Mata. ``For an artist, the best award is the appreciation of the audience. Let us pray that every artist gets this award, for that is the result of his life-long `tapasya'.'' And to thunderous applause, he added, ``The `mata' here is yet to get the right honour. So whenever you talk of Amaan and Ayaan, please add their mother's name, Subhalakshmi.

And the same should be for all children in the schools.'' The `sweetness' of the instrument has gone into the thought process too.