Malini Awasthi

Padma Shri Malini Awasthi is the Chair Professor at Banaras Hindu University and the India Representative for UNESCO's cultural commission. She has spread the essence of India across the world through her passion for folk music and traditions. A disciple of the legendary Thumri queen of the Banaras gharana, Vidushi Girija Devi Ji, Awasthi is a leading torchbearer of the Purab Ang Gayaki of Banaras. Her first Guru was Ustad Shujat Hussain of the Rampur gharana, and later she was trained in Gorakhpur by Ustad Rahat Ali Khan. Awasthi established herself as one of the most sought-after artists at All India Radio (Akashvani), Doordarshan, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the International Council of Cultural Relations. She has performed in TV shows such as Saregama, Antakshari, Junoon, Idea Jalsa, Sur Sangram and leading news channels like Zee News, Aaj Tak, ABP News, NDTV and India TV. She also has graced stages worldwide, including US, England, Netherlands, Dubai, Mauritius, Trinidad, Fiji, and Nepal.