MASTER JEE OF KASHMIR : PANDIT SHABMOO NATH SOPORI
Introduction. Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori, fondly called ‘master jee’, played an instrumental role in popularizing Hindustani classical music in the then state of Jammu & Kashmir. He made the state a new cultural centre of India with his dedication to classical music. He was respected as the ‘father of Indian Classical Music’ in Jammu & Kashmir.
Respect as Master Jee. There have been many great musicians in the country. What makes Pandit Sopori different from most of them is his dedication in passing on the talent to the young generation. This is the reason he was reverently called ‘master jee’ by all.
Contribution for Younger Generation. Master jee first introduced Hindustani Classical Music, in SP Higher Secondary School for boys, as a subject. Later, the subject was introduced in Girls College at Maulana Azad Road. He also established ‘Sangeet Mahavidhyala’ in Kashmir Valley. It was dedicated to Indian classical music and dance. It was his efforts that paved the path for the younger generation to adopt music as a source of livelihood.
Contribution to Music. Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori was a versatile musician and vocalist with command over Indian classical as well as Sufi music. This combination made his style distinct from all. Classical vocals along with Sitar and Santoor were his forte. He had great command over languages such as Urdu, Sanskrit, Persian, Kashmiri, and Hindi. This made his repertoire of musical compositions incredibly huge. He is also revered for putting some muqams of Sufiana Mausiqi in notations to ensure their preservation.
Legacy of Pandit Sopori. Master jee is considered to be one of the most loved and revered musicians of Jammu & Kashmir. He has been music guru to almost 35,000 students, including Late Maharani Yashoraj Laxmi Ji from the royal family of Jammu & Kashmir. A long list of famous musicians and singers of India owe their knowledge to Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori. Some of his well-known students include Dr. B. L. Kaul (Sitar), Mohd. Ashraf (Music Composer), Prof. Sunaina Kaul (Vocal), Sh Jawahar Kaul (Santoor), Sh. Sai Abdul Langoo (Tabla), Sh. Abdul Majeed (Rabab), Mohd. Ameen Nizami (Flute) etc.
Dedication to Saints and Sufis. Pandit Sopori always carved out time from his busy schedule to live in the company of Saints and Sufis. He liked listening to their talks and also dedicating some songs and music for them as his gesture of gratitude. Swami Parmanand Ji, Faqir Aahad Saib, Soan Saeb Badasgom, and Swami Nand Bub were some of the revered people with whom master jee used to spent his precious time regularly.
Conclusion. With his dedication towards music and sweet behavior, master jee literally made the Kashmir Valley sing, dance, and play with him. Though Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori is no more in the world, his legacy stands tall. He was and will always be the beloved master jee from Jammu & Kashmir.
