JAMMU, Nov 11: Bringing recognition to Jammu’s rich musical and cultural heritage, renowned musician and guitarist Sanjay Kumar Pashi, an ‘A’ Grade Artist of All India Radio (AIR), has been honoured with the prestigious Bharat Gaurav Global Excellence Award 2026 for his outstanding contribution to music, performing arts and social service.
Pashi, who also serves as Chairman of J&K Jagran Seva Samiti, Jammu, and Secretary of Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan, Janipur, received the recognition for his more than 35 years of dedication to promoting Indian folk music, traditional culture and community welfare.
The award was presented by Dhara of Humanity Foundation, whose Founder and Director Bhupendra Verma and Co-Founder Pratibha Satyarthi appreciated his exceptional contribution to the field of performing arts and his efforts to create platforms for innovation, discovery and research in Indian folk music.
The organisation described Pashi as an inspiring personality whose dedication and exemplary work would motivate younger generations to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural traditions.
A highly accomplished professional guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, Pashi has been associated with the music industry since 1991. He holds the prestigious ‘A’ Grade Artist status of All India Radio and has been associated with Doordarshan and various government cultural institutions and departments since 1993.
One of his distinctive achievements is his expertise in Guitar Synthesizer technology. He is among a select group of only four musicians in India proficient in reproducing complex Indian traditional and Western orchestral instruments live through this specialised technology.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has performed on national platforms, collaborated with renowned artistes, contributed to regional musical compositions and gained extensive experience in sound engineering and audio studio management.
His musical versatility is reflected in compositions and performances across eight languages, including Dogri, Hindi, English, Punjabi, Pahari, Gojri, Kashmiri and Rajasthani, highlighting his commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity.
Beyond his professional achievements, Pashi has made significant contributions to social welfare through music education and community initiatives. He has been providing free music education to underprivileged students, members of backward communities and senior citizens, helping them access opportunities for creative development.
He has also been actively involved in music therapy initiatives for children affected by autism spectrum disorder and has participated in awareness programmes on various important social issues and government schemes.
His work reflects the belief that music is not merely an art form but also a powerful medium for education, social inclusion, cultural preservation and emotional well-being.
The Bharat Gaurav Global Excellence Award 2026 recognises his longstanding dedication to the performing arts and his commitment to using music as an instrument of positive social change.
Pashi’s achievement is being regarded as a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, bringing wider recognition to the region’s artistic talent and cultural contributions while inspiring young musicians to pursue excellence and preserve India’s traditional musical heritage.