Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar was performing with Pt Bickram Ghosh at the IIT Kharagpur’s Spring Fest when he came that he was among those conferred with the Padma Awards this year.

An exponent of the Maihar Gharana, Majumdar, 63, started his training under his grandfather Bibhuti Ranjan Majumdar with a mandolin as well as his father, Ranjan Majumdar. He continued his training under many notable musicians, including Ustad Bahadur Khan, and vocal and tabla training under Pandit Amaresh Chowdhury, Anil Palit, Pandit Ajay Sinha Roy, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Pandit Ravi Shankar.

He trained under Bahadur Khan for 18 years until he died, and continued his training under Ajay Sinha Roy and Ali Akbar Khan.

Speaking to Indian Express, Majumdar said, “I was reaching the IIT Spring Festival when I got the call from North Gate. Bickram was with me I was so surprised I just held his hand. The list was officially released during the concert.”

One of the most popular and celebrated modern sarod players, Majumdar said the recognition was completely unexpected. “They have given such a big recognition for Indian classical music for our generation. It is very special that they have given such a big endorsement to the classical fraternity. It is a joyous moment. I dedicate this recognition to all my gurus, family, and well-wishers. Such a national recognition always feels nice but it also increases the responsibility that we have to do more good work.”

Majumdar is among the nine people from West Bengal who have been honoured with the Padma Shri this year. President Droupadi Murmu approved the conferment of 139 Padma Awards 2025, including seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards.