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Indian classical music in Chandigarh acquired a distinct life of its own with the great visionary and tireless energy of one of the city’s most committed proponents of the performing arts. Navly Uncle as we fondly addressed him, donned many hats with effortless ease, be it that of a senior bureaucrat, an institution builder, a philosopher and guide or a valued member of the audience. Through his academy of the Indian National Theatre, he brought to the city a rich melange of artists, singers, new and established veterans and a retinue of accompanists of all forms of Indian classical music.

An association that was nurtured since I was a child, the Durga Das Foundation was honoured to be bestowed the opportunity to partner in conducting and organising many cultural events. He was always excited to work with us giving input and suggestions on every aspect of the concert.

For us, much as his physical presence will be missed, we can say with certainty, that he will live on through all the future programmes that we will organise under the banner of the Durga Das Foundation. If there are people who truly leave their footprints in the sands of time, it is someone like him. I do hope the Chandigarh Administration will find a way to honour his memory. His contribution to the city must be etched in golden letters.

– Atul Khanna

Another one from Lahore

Very painful 😣 and sad news.He was such a wonderful and caring person for all of us.He was like a mentor and brother for Raza sahib and for me. we can’t express our grief and sorrow, it is a big loss for all music lovers please convey our deep sorrow to Vassu.I will call her in couple of days. May God Almighty Grant him Janat ul Fardus.

Rashida ji

Sh Khosla had several admirers in Lahore too.
Below is a letter written to his daughter Vasundhara by Iram from Lahore

Dear Vasu,
You have been extremely lucky and blessed to have had khosla sahib as your father. He was an absolute gem. I have never in my life seen a man with such a fine soul, carrying loads of affection for his family and friends. And we may not even know many others who received his kindness.

He was a man with a mission of love which he tried to pursue through serving music–a means of evolving the spirit and sensitivities of the people of this land, the Sub-continent.

He lived his life in this world with dignity and grace and transcended to the next like a flower that receives the honour of having fallen in the lap of his creator, the most merciful, the most affectionate.

Though I may not have communicated that much with him in these years but he always remained in my heart and mind. My heart will never forget khosla sahib. May his soul rest in peace.

I am sure his spirit will remain alive and will be experiencing a state of ultimate, neverending joy and happiness.

My deepest condolences and lots of luv to you and your whole family.

A Tribute
A legend passes on.

A combination of enthusiasm, integrity, zest, humour, and dedication to a cause which benefits society, are qualities rarely found today. If words can briefly describe Navjeevan Khosla – then these are a few.

We the beneficiaries of his efforts are fortunate to enjoy the aesthetic experience of the purity of Hindustani classical music which he dearly loved and promoted through INT Chandigarh. Direct and forthright in his manner, he tolerated no populist approach to please others at the cost of diluting the purity of tradition in music.

This tireless effort and zeal drew the best of names across the country who sought a platform here in Chandigarh, some even before they reached the heights of fame in their respective fields.

INT is the beneficiary of his intense guidance and also his magnanimity in leaving a personal sum for this cause.
Navli Uncle as he was known to most, loved people and conversation. Exuding warmth and
hospitality to both young and old alike drew many into his fold of friendship.

The legacy he leaves behind, is to be treasured and preserved. It would be a worthy tribute if lovers of classical music unite in ensuring the continuum of this tradition, just as he would have wished

A Tribute to Sh Navjeevan Khosla by our esteemed President, Sh Anil Nehru