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Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has been conferred with the honorary citizenship of the American city of Atlanta, in recognition of his contribution to the field of music.
This is the fourth citizenship honour he has received after Massachusetts, Houston and Tennessee bestowed the honour.
"It is an honour for India. The world is giving me so much honour because India has given me so much love and honour," he said on hearing the news.
"I am proud to be born in India and even wish so in my next birth," the Ustad said.
"People tell me abroad that 'there is so much communal disharmony in India, why don't I leave the country', but what they don't realise is that it is Hindustan which made Amjad Ali Khan. The respect and understanding of the music is the best here," he said.
The sarod maestro, who recently performed in New Mexico and for one whole night in Atlanta, said the Americans and even the Europeans are fast realising the beauty and healing power of Sarod.
Till a few years back, guitar was more popular outside. But not anymore with the understanding of Sarod growing. The Ustad said his increasing number of performances outside are an indicator of that.
"I have performed in Tennessee, the musical capital of USA and the Massachusetts government declared April 20, 1984 as Amjad Ali Khan day... it is very rewarding," he said.
The Ustad also teaches at the Chicago University. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan would be giving a number of performances in California in August.
"My aim is to spread the message of peace and tranquility. It has become more important after September 11 attacks as there is unrest everywhere," he said.
"Even in India, Sarod is more popular today compared to 50 years back. A much larger number of musicians are into it. The future of Indian classical music itself is very bright," the Ustad said.
He added, "My sons Aman and Ayan are role models for the young generation and we visit various schools and colleges regularly to popularise the Indian classical music."
The cultural ambassador of UNICEF said, "The beauty of our music lies in the whole concept of freedom within discipline -- there is freedom to improvise, but within limits."
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