VASCO
Radhakrishna (Radha) Shetye, an acclaimed pakhawaj player and businessman from Vasco, passed away early Monday morning at his daughter’s residence in Malad, Mumbai.
Known as a steadfast promoter of the Manohari Bhajan and Warkari Dindi traditions, Radhakrishna Shetye was 93 years old at the time of his death.
Shetye had received the Department of Art and Culture’s Music (Bhajan) Award for 2014-15 and was also honoured with the Goa State Cultural Award in recognition of his immense and selfless contributions to bhajan, kirtan, and the arts.
He is survived by his wife, a married daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.
Shetye was known as a devoted worshipper of Lord Damodar, the presiding deity of Vasco, a maestro of the pakhawaj, and a dedicated scholar of Goan culture.
Although he was a successful businessman, fellow artistes noted that his true life was devoted to Lord Damodar and to classical and Manohari Bhajan music. His extraordinary mastery of the pakhawaj left a lasting impression.
Shetye was not only an accomplished artiste but also a great connoisseur of the arts. He always kept his home open to music lovers and young learners from Vasco and across Goa, providing opportunities to benefit from the guidance of eminent artistes.
He inherited from his father, the late Vishwanath Shetye, a legacy of Warkari Bhajan, service to Lord Damodar, and social work. He made significant contributions to the cultural, spiritual, musical, and social spheres of Mormugao.
He shared close associations with legendary musicians, including Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Pt Jitendra Abhisheki, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt Appa Jogalekar, and Pt Vasantrao Deshpande. His home was frequently visited by eminent vocalists and instrumentalists, who often stayed and gathered there.
As a teacher, Radhakrishna Shetye trained young pakhawaj players in Goa free of charge. Many of Goa’s accomplished pakhawaj artistes today were shaped under his guidance. Over decades of musical practice and dedication, he studied under numerous gurus.
For nearly 50 to 60 years, devotees and music lovers in Mormugao regularly enjoyed performances during the opening bhajan session of the Shri Damodar Bhajani Saptah in Vasco. These featured the powerful voice of singer Manohar Shivolkar, the gentle and soulful accompaniment of Narayan Haldankar, the melodious harmonium of Sudhakar Naik, and the thrilling pakhawaj strokes of Radhakrishna Shetye’s long, slender fingers—performances that left listeners spellbound.
