I received with deep sadness the news of the passing away of Ustad Bismillah Khan Sahib. I join millions of music lovers across the world in mourning the demise of this greatest exponent of the shehnai. Ustad Bismillah Khan Sahib single-handedly elevated this simple instrument of popular folk music into a famous vehicle of hindustani classical music.

A true symbol of our composite culture, Khan Sahib, through his mellifluous rendering of the shehnai, showed us all that while God may manifest himself in many forms, piety finds its true expression through music.

Ustad Bismillah Khan Sahib was a great son of India. The people of our country showered their love and affection on him by remaining his ardent admirers for more than half a century of his performing life. They showed their admiration for him by bestowing on him all the great honours that an artist can aspire for. In confering upon him our Nation's highest honour, the Bharat Ratna, the government of India merely echoed the sentiments of our people.

I convey my heartfelt condolences to Khan Sahib's family, his disciples and his admirers around the world. May his music continue to bring peace and harmony to our lives.