Concert for Bangladesh Scheduled this year, 50 Years After It First Took Place

50 years after the original benefit concerts organised by former Beatle George Harrison and Sitar Maestro Ravi Shankar took place, a Concert for Bangladesh has been scheduled to take place in India this year. Fittingly, the concert will be led by George Harrison's son, Dhani Harrison, and Ravi Shankar's daughter, Anoushka Shankar.

The original 1971 concert was born out of an idea by Ravi Shankar and George Harrison to help the people of Bangladesh who were facing a humanitarian crisis. Gathering numerous artists who wanted to help, George Harrison orchestrated what would be the first benefit concert of its kind, raising millions of dollars for UNICEF.

In RAGA MALA Ravi Shankar recalled the moment he approached George:

'The idea occurred to me of giving a concert to raise money to help these refugees - something on a bigger scale than normal. While I was thinking of this, George Harrison was in Los Angeles. He would come to my house in the morning and spend time there, and he understood what I was going through. I asked him frankly, 'George can you help me?' He was really moved and said, 'Yes, something should be done.' - Ravi Shankar

An official announcement with more information on the anniversary concert is due in the coming weeks.