Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj Gets A Planet Named After Him

Indian classical vocal music maestro, Pandit Jasraj is now eternal as he becomes the first Indian to join the immortal galaxy of music composers like Mozart and Beethovan and Tenor Luciano Pavarotti. International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named the minor planet 2006 VP32 (number -300128), discovered on November 11, 2006 , as ‘Panditjasraj’. The planet revolves between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

The honor was made official on September 23rd followed by a citation. The citation said “Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj is an exponent of Indian classical vocal music. A life dedicated to music, Jasraj is recipient of many awards, honours and titles. His distinctive voice traverses remarkable four and a half octave.” To accept this honor, Padma Vibhushan recipient, Pandit Jasraj said, “Blessed… in this honour one can experience only god’s grace.”

After the confirmation of any minor planet’s discovery, the planet is given a permanent number by IAU’s minor planet center. ‘Panditjasraj’ minor planet can be seen on their official website with the number 300128, the musical maestro’s date of birth in reverse order (28/01/30).