The evening also saw an outstanding performance by the young and upcoming maestro Jayanthi Kumaresh. The occasion marks two years for the Indian Music Academy and the 36th Jalsa (12 in the first year and 24 in the second year) offering.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, IDEA Cellular Limited said, “IDEA Cellular’s objective in committing to sponsor and present these concerts is to spread and popularise the rich culture and tradition of all genres of Indian Music. IDEA has not only attempted to revive the essence of different genres of Indian music but has also made great efforts to create an overall impact towards the society by strengthening and binding the citizens of this country to its popular and traditional cultural roots.”

Durga Jasraj said, “Last year our initiative showcased only Indian Classical Musicians. However, this year we are expanding our horizon to include other genres like Sufi music, ghazals, bhajans and Indian classical music.”

A unique initiative that began in 2006, IMA is the brainchild of Durga Jasraj and Vikram Shankar. The first year was dedicated to the promotion of the classical form of Indian Music in 12 cities across the country with legendary names like Pandit Jasraj (the founder Patron of IMA), Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Ustad Zakir Husain who are the patrons and the guiding force of IMA along with Dr. L. Subramaniam.

However, after witnessing the phenomenal response received from customers, this year IDEA has decided to take these concerts to many more cities and towns. IDEA in alliance with the Indian Music Academy has incorporated 24 concerts in 22 cities. The artistes who performed at the IDEA Jalsa 2007 - 2008 were Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Zakir Hussain, Pandit Jasraj, Kailash Kher, Pankaj Udhas, Jagjit Singh, Hariharan and many more. The concerts were spread over a period of six months between September 2007 and April 2008.