Born in September 1930 in Almora, in present-day Uttarakhand, Padma Shri Pandit Vijay Kumar Kichlu is a unique combination of executive ability and artistry. He received his initial training in music under Nathuram Sharma, and while at college in Varanasi, became a disciple of Moinuddin Dagar and Aminuddin Dagar, the Senior Dagar brothers. He also benefited from guidance in music from Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan of the Agra gharana and has an impressive record of public performances, including performing over All India Radio and Doordarshan. Vijay Kichlu holds a master’s degree in History from the University of Allahabad and after a successful career as a senior business executive in Calcutta (now Kolkata) planned and managed the Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) set up by ITC Ltd in 1977. As Executive Director of the institution for almost 24 years, he committed himself to the preservation and propagation of Indian classical music. A revolutionary institution, the SRA remains the only residential institution in India that imparts intensive advanced training in ‘raga’ music through the age-old Gurukul system. Vijay Kichlu has received several awards, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Ratna and Fellowship award. An authorized biography, this book takes you on a musical journey of an erudite musician and fluent speaker on music, whose aim in life through different phases and in different roles has always been to be a student and a devotee of this ‘Mohini Vidya’.