The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has condoled the passing away of the Sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

In a condolence message, the President has said that Ustad Ali Akbar Khan left an indelible mark in the world of Indian classical music. In his passing away the nation has lost a versatile artiste who played the Sarod with a magical touch.

The release issued at 1820 hrs