THE SARODS OF THE KHAN FAMILY

A very special commission created by our founder Sangeetha Kowsik

Ustadh Ali Akbar Khan, the legendary Sarod maestro, is celebrated for introducing Hindustani (Indian Classical) Music to the Western world. In 1967, he founded the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, CA, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon.

The Khan family’s musical heritage spans 500 years, tracing back to Tansen, the revered Muslim court musician of India’s Mughal Dynasty. Growing up in California, I shared my childhood with Alam and Manik Khan, the youngest sons of Ustadh Ji.

Our connection is deepened by history—Ustadh Ali Akbar Khan performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Livermore, CA, a temple my father helped build and found.

Though we were babies at the time, this moment reflects a bond transcending religion and generations.

In a world often divided by hate, the image of a towering Hindu temple in the USA bearing the name of a Muslim musician stands as a testament to unity. Music has the power to unite, transcending barriers of faith and culture.

As an artist and musician, my name, Sangeetha—Sanskrit for "music"—echoes this truth.

Inspired by my training in Hindustani music and my respect for the Khan family,
I created three Sarod Logo designs in Arabic calligraphy.

Each design holds a unique story, with the number three symbolizing auspiciousness in both Hinduism and Islam.