The management

Joyeeta Basu Khan 

The Managing Director of The Fifth Note 

She is a visionary leader and a dedicated patron of Indian Classical Music. With a deep-rooted passion for preserving and nurturing India’s rich musical heritage, Joyeeta has been at the forefront of creating spaces where aspiring musicians can flourish. Her journey is a remarkable blend of entrepreneurial spirit, cultural advocacy, and a relentless commitment to excellence in music education.

Joyeeta’s association with Indian Classical Music began early, as she was profoundly inspired by the soulful artistry of legendary musicians.  A cornerstone of Joyeeta Basu Khan’s journey in Indian Classical Music is her profound admiration for her husband, the legendary Ustaad Rashid Khan. Joyeeta considers herself incredibly fortunate to share her life with an artist whose mastery over music transcends boundaries. For her, Ustaad Rashid Khan is not only a life partner but also a guide, mentor, and a constant source of inspiration. Over the years, this admiration transformed into a mission—to create an institution that would serve as a beacon for preserving and advancing the traditions of Indian Classical Music while embracing innovation and modern pedagogies. With that Dream in mind, The Shakhri Begum Trust, a foundation dedicated to the art of imparting the best in Hindusthani Classical Music had been created to launch its unique new initiative – The Fifth Note. Pioneered by Indian Classical Music doyen Ustad Rashid Khan and Joyeeta Basu Khan, The Fifth Note (TFN) is the first of its kind endeavour to harness and identify musical talent as also to sculpt performance-ready musicians from those that choose to take advantage of this never-before opportunity.

Joyeeta and Ustaad Rashid Khan share a common dream of making Indian Classical Music accessible and admired worldwide. Together, they aspire to build a legacy that nurtures talent, preserves the purity of classical traditions, and inspires future generations to carry forward India’s musical heritage.  

Vision

With this vision, The Fifth Note (TFN) , A Rashid Khan’s Music Academy has been created by Joyeeta Basu Khan, which is a world-class Indian Classical Music Institute that meets global standards of excellence: where

Preservation of Traditions: Upholds the sanctity of ancient gharanas and classical traditions, ensuring they are passed onto future generations with authenticity and reverence.

Fostering Talents: Provides a nurturing environment where young talents are groomed under the guidance of master Mentors and Faculties.

Promotes Innovation: Encourages blending classical music with contemporary approaches to ensure its relevance in today’s evolving cultural landscape.

Offers Accessibility: Makes quality music education accessible to a diverse range of students, from beginners to advanced practitioners, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.

Reaches Global Audiences: Establishes the institute as a hub for cultural exchange, attracting students and scholars from across the world and promoting Indian Classical Music on global platforms.

Key Initiatives

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Equipped with world-class facilities, including performance auditoriums, classrooms and digital learning platforms.

Associations with Maestros: Alliance with renowned Mentors to bring unparalleled learning opportunities to students.

Community Engagement: Organizing workshops, concerts, and outreach programs to spread awareness and appreciation for Indian Classical Music.

Research and Documentation: Archiving traditional compositions and conducting research to preserve the art form for generations to come.

The Legacy

Joyeeta Basu Khan’s commitment is not just about establishing an institute but creating a movement that ensures ICM continues to thrive and inspire millions globally. The dream is to see TFN emerge as a benchmark of excellence, comparable to global music academies, and a symbol of India’s cultural wealth.

Dr. Kavita Arora

Dr. Kavita Arora, an accomplished scholar, poet, and cultural leader, serves as the Dean of The Fifth Note (Ustad Rashid Khan Academy, Kolkata). With a career spanning decade, Dr. Arora embodies the fusion of academic rigor, artistic expression, and a deep-seated passion for Indian Classical Music and literature.

A prolific writer and vocal advocate for India’s cultural heritage, Dr. Arora is known for her multifaceted contributions as an educator, poet, folk singer, and literary figure. Her dedication to nurturing talent and creating platforms for cultural expression has earned her recognition both nationally and internationally.

• M.A. and Ph.D. in literature and cultural studies.
• Senior Diploma in Classical Vocal Music from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, which underscores her deep connection to Indian Classical Music.

Her academic foundation and artistic inclination have enabled her to bridge the worlds of music, literature, and education seamlessly.

Dr. Kavita Arora’s professional career is marked by her leadership roles and contributions to cultural and literary spheres:

• Dean, The Fifth Note (Ustad Rashid Khan Academy, Kolkata).
• Interviewer, Doordarshan Uttar Pradesh, where she engages with senior poets and writers, spotlighting their contributions to literature and culture.
• Independent Poet and Writer, with an ever-growing body of work that resonates across generations.

Her experience also includes:

• Two years of work in London (Blackpool), contributing to cross-cultural exchange.
• Former Chairperson, CBSE Inter College.
• Center Head, SRMS Art and Culture Center.
• Co-Editor, online portal Hastakshep.com.
• Conducting interviews with senior poets and writers from across India.

Dr. Kavita Arora is the author of three critically acclaimed books:

1. Paiband Ki Hansi
2. Chaand Ka Shargha
3. Kaagaz Ke Neele Saahil

These books, published on prominent platforms like Rekhta, Amazon, Google Play Store, and Kindle, have reached readers in 66 countries. Her poetry and prose reflect a profound understanding of human emotions, social dynamics, and cultural ethos.

Her works are regularly featured in renowned literary journals such as Hindi Academy Delhi, Rekhta, Hindavi, and Amar Ujala Kavya Cafe. She has performed her poetry on platforms like National News Channels, Big FM, and prestigious literary events across India.

Dr. Arora’s contributions have been celebrated with numerous awards, including:

• Honors by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department (2021, 2023).
• Ustad Rashid Khan Academy, Kolkata (2022, 2024).
• Radheshyam Kathavachak Smriti Samman, Munshi Premchand Smriti Samman, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Samman for her literary achievements.
• Recognition from institutions like Manav Seva Patrakarita Sansthan and Shubham Memorial Sansthan (2024).

Her honors also include accolades from the Mayor and District Magistrate for her cultural and literary contributions.

As the President of Surkala Sangam, a 25-year-old social and literary organization, Dr. Arora has fostered community engagement and artistic expression. She is also an accomplished stage host and folk singer, known for her ability to connect with audiences and celebrate India’s vibrant folk traditions.

Dr. Kavita Arora’s experiences are enriched by her travels to over 20 countries, including the USA, Spain, Germany, England, Italy, and Malaysia. These journeys have deepened her appreciation for global cultures and further inspired her work in literature and music.

Dr. Kavita Arora’s leadership at The Fifth Note aligns with her broader vision of making Indian Classical Music and literature accessible to a global audience. Her goals include:

• Promoting interdisciplinary learning by integrating music, literature, and cultural studies.
• Creating a nurturing environment where students can explore the depth and beauty of Indian Classical traditions.
• Expanding The Fifth Note’s reach as a global hub for cultural exchange and excellence in music education.

With her unwavering dedication, Dr. Kavita Arora continues to inspire a generation of artists, scholars, and enthusiasts to preserve and celebrate India’s cultural legacy.

Pandit Partho Sarothy

Pandit Partho Sarothy is a celebrated maestro of the Sarod, renowned for preserving the purity of

Hindustani classical music over a distinguished career spanning five decades. A dedicated

torchbearer of India’s rich musical heritage, he has performed as a soloist and accompanist at

prestigious venues worldwide, including the Kremlin Hall in Russia, Carnegie Hall in the

USA, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. In India, his artistry has graced iconic festivals such as the Dover Lane Music Conference, Savai Gandharva Festival, and Tansen Sangeet Samaroh. Representing India on the global stage, he has collaborated with his legendary Guru

Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and other luminaries. 

Notably, he was the sole representative of India at events celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties with Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Partho’s steadfast commitment to untainted classical music is evident on his commitment to the transformative power of traditional Indian music. Through cultural exchanges, collaborations with Spic Macay, and performances in over 70 countries, Partho continues to inspire global audiences, ensuring that the meditative essence of Hindustani

classical music resonates for generations to come. Additionally, his selfless dedication to teaching and training students worldwide and his efforts to educate youth through music have made significant contributions to society, using music as a bridge for peace, healing, and harmony.