RAVI SHANKAR

That this House is saddened by the recent death of Ravi Shankar, world acclaimed sitar player, at the age of 92 years; recognises him as a pioneer of music who popularised new global styles and instruments by bringing Indian classical music to a new mass audience; notes the talent of Ravi Shankar as a musician who stayed true to Indian music; further notes the great complexity, skill and patience required in the lifelong mastering of the sitar; further notes that playing any musical instrument is a continual source of learning; further notes the significance of musical education in schools as a means by which to foster young talent and encourage such learning; continues to support musical education as an important part of the National Curriculum; and believes Ravi Shankar will continue to inspire younger generations as the main proponent of bringing one of the oldest forms of classical music to a mass audience.