The Santoor Legend and Music Composer Pandit Bhajan Sopori was seen leaving the auditorium soon after he arrived for the 'Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Festival' organized by J&K Academy in collaboration with ICCR at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi on October 17, 2007.

It was learnt that soon after his arrival, Pandit Sopori who came on a special invitation by J&K Academy, was escorted to the auditorium by the J&K Academy officials who made him sit in the first row on the seat reserved for him. Soon after an employee of ICCR approached Pandit Sopori and asked him to shift to the back row. Pandit ji not appreciating the treatment meted out to him quietly left the auditorium speaking volumes of callous attitude of ICCR staff.

A senior official expressing regrets over the incident said that such a kind of misconduct is unacceptable from the staff of a cultural group like ICCR. It seems that ICCR has become ignorant about the precedence and tradition of Indian culture.

Pandit Bhajan Sopori has single handedly carried the culture and music of the State of Jammu and Kashmir on his shoulders taking it to international heights. In fact, if music has a respectable status in the Valley, it's entirely due to the efforts of Pandit Bhajan Sopori and his family. It's rather unfortunate that the face of J&K music was
asked to get up by ICCR.

Pandit Bhajan Sopori is to be honoured with the highest civilian award of the State of Jammu and Kashmir next week by the Honb. Governor and Chief Minister of the State for his lifetime dedication and contribution to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.