New Delhi – The Indian Performing Rights Society Ltd. (IPRS), India’s premier music copyright organization representing authors, composers, and publishers of music, has officially kicked off its highly anticipated event, ‘Soundscapes of India: Gateway to the World,’ with a spectacular inauguration at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of the iconic Daler Mehndi, the King of Bhangra, whose vibrant performance and presence set the perfect tone for this landmark global music celebration.
Daler Mehndi was joined by a host of distinguished dignitaries and diplomats from countries including South Korea, Poland, Ukraine, Venezuela, Morocco, Hungary, Thailand, Mongolia, Philippines, and Malaysia, who came together to witness the commencement of this unique initiative aimed at promoting Indian music on the global stage.
The inauguration was highlighted by an engaging fireside chat featuring Daler Mehndi and moderated by Karan Grover, Sr. Director Commercial Partnerships – IMEA Dolby Labs. The conversation offered a rare glimpse into Mr. Mehndi’s illustrious career, his contributions to Indian music, and the universal appeal of his work. The session resonated with the theme of the conference—expanding India’s musical footprint globally.
Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The inauguration of ‘Soundscapes of India’ by the legendary Daler Mehndi truly set the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of Indian music on the global stage. As IPRS marks its 55th anniversary, we are thrilled to witness India’s rich musical heritage come alive through this event, opening doors for our creators to shine internationally. This is not just a conference—it’s a bold step towards making Indian music a global force.”
Following the fireside chat, the conference hosted its first panel discussion titled ‘The Time is Now: Amplifying India’s Presence on the Global Music Stage.’ The panel featured industry leaders such as Vivek Raina (MD, Believe Digital), Varun Khare (COO, Paytm Insider), and Marina Pommier (Director, Sziget Festival). They discussed innovative strategies for enhancing India’s global music presence, emphasizing the importance of digital platforms and international collaborations.
The inaugural day also featured a special fireside chat celebrating 74 years of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and its crucial role in promoting Indian music globally. Abhay Kumar, Deputy Director General of ICCR, shared valuable insights on ICCR’s efforts to elevate Indian music and culture on the international stage.
The successful start of the ‘Soundscapes of India: Gateway to the World’ conference underscores India’s growing influence in the global music industry. The inaugural day set the stage for more engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and international collaborations over the next two days.