What do we really mean when we use the word Struggle? Needless to mention, we can rephrase it today simply as a fire in the belly as an unrested gut feeling. However, for an artist or for that matter any person in a creative field, it is not just that but perhaps much beyond that. Although I have been fortunate enough to have had the shelter of my father during my growing years, I too have had my memorable stories of my 'struggling days.’ Once I remember returning from Kolkata in the early sixties and I came to the railway station to take the train for Delhi after a concert at a Music Festival (also called Conferences in Kolkata). I soon realized that I had been pick pocketed at the railway station. Luckily I was carrying the ticket in my hand and hence, I borrowed some money from the porter and gave it to the taxi driver. When I entered the compartment (Third class in those days), I borrowed money from my fellow passenger and gave it to the porter. During this journey now, travel, food and other expenses were borne by my fellow passenger. When I reached Delhi, I took money from the porter and gave it to my fellow passenger who was kind enough to take care of all my expenses during the travel. When I came out of the railway station, I borrowed money from Taxi driver to pay back to the porter and finally when I reached home, I paid the taxi driver. So it is possible to travel in India with out money! I also recall another incident of my sister's wedding; after all the ceremonies and social obligations, I went to check the bank balance. To my disbelief, the amount in the bank was only Rupees ninety six! However, in such situations in life, faith in god, belief in ones self shows us the light and enables us to move towards it.

Fortunately certain musicians are still maintaining the age old tradition of Guru Shishya Parampara, the way my father handed over this priceless legacy to me and to his otherdisciples. I have been teaching some of my students in the same Guru Shishya Parampara tradition. Since the last forty years, I have been imparting my musical training all over the world. I have always taught without any fee to all my students. My father, who was also my guru, taught me not to sell knowledge to students. I am traditionalist and an idealist but unfortunately, many have to sell their knowledge because of their financial responsibilities.

It is also unfair today when children of well known artists are always a subject of discussion and scrutiny saying that they have had no struggle. I honestly feel that if a child is carrying on a career in Indian Classical Music in today's time and age, then it is only gods will. To be able to deliver great work in spite of having all the distractions and an option to have an easy way out is in itself is a struggle.

Although we have achieved so much today as a nation, I feel that our struggle for perfection doesn't end. We have had the greatest of leaders in the past who have been an example of excellence and dignity. I immensely miss Rajiv Gandhi; I wish he was alive today. Though he had a very westernized outlook, I was pleasantly surprised to realize his passion for the nation and especially for national pride. Once as prime minister, he was invited in the Doordarshan (Indian Television) studio. The occasion was that six nations could see each other together for the first time on Television. I received an invite from Doordarshan but it was only for me and not my better half. I rang up the Directorate and said I am a married man and have a wife but the officer in charge replied that as function is in a small studio they can only accommodate me. It was something that upset me and instead I decided to attend another function of a publication celebrating its 10th anniversary of their magazine where I was invited with my wife Subhalakshmi. When Rajiv Gandhi arrived in the studio, unlike a busy PM, he took interest to find out names of the Artists representing India by Doordarshan. They had invited group of dancers and musicians. When the names were given to Rajiv Gandhi he immediately told the Doordarshan authorities that these people are known for electronic music and that they cannot perform and represent India in this situation. Apparently, he mentioned my name and said that please call Amjad Ali Khan to perform. There were telephone calls from the PMO to my residence and even Mr. Mani Shanker Aiyar called but as I was out of my house attending the publication's celebrations, the PMO was unable to trace me. On my return, I was updated about the PMO and the Doordarshan calls. We immediately switched on the TV (there used to be only one channel at that time) and we saw Doordarshan playing an old recording of Pandit Ravi Shankar.I really appreciated Mr. Gandhi's vision and decision to represent his country through Indian Classical Music; come what may. I hope every Prime Minister of our country will always respect and encourage classical traditions of our country. Over and above this, Mr. Gandhi had an ear and feeling for Music just like Mrs. Indira Gandhi, for whom I have performed for numerous occasions as well, the first time in 1966 at Pachmarhi. Like every Indian, I was so saddened by his assassination. My feelings led to me invoke a Raga in his honour called Kamal Shree which I recorded in the early nineties. It was my tribute and admiration to this dynamic son of India.