Legendary Indian singer’s voice was among Nasa’s first sounds sent to space

Legendary Indian singer Kesarbai Kerkar’s voice has become a historic milestone as one of the first sounds transmitted by NASA into space. Her rendition of a song was included in The Sounds of Earth, an album that accompanied the Voyager Golden Record, a gold-plated phonograph disc containing sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth. Launched aboard the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1977, the record is now among the few human artifacts that have left our solar system and continue to travel through the cosmos. The inclusion of Kesarbai’s voice marks a rare intersection of Indian cultural heritage and space exploration. The song, a rendition of a traditional Hindustani classical piece, was chosen for its melodic richness and historical significance. It was recorded in the early 1970s and later added to the Voyager mission’s collection of sounds intended to represent humanity to potential extraterrestrial life. This moment underscores the enduring legacy of Kesarbai, whose voice was celebrated for its extraordinary range and emotional depth. Born on July 13, 1892, in Keri, a small Goan village, Kesarbai grew up in a family where music was both a livelihood and a passion. From a young age, she displayed a keen ear for melody and rhythm, often imitating devotional songs she heard during temple gatherings. Her family recognized her gift and arranged for her to study under renowned musicians. By 1908, she had relocated to Bombay, where she trained under the sitar maestro Ustad Barkatullah Khan. Though her early experiences were marked by challenges, such as public criticism from local patrons, her determination led her to seek the guidance of Ustad Alladiya Khan, a revered figure in the Jaipur gharana. Under Alladiya Khan’s tutelage, Kesarbai refined her craft over nearly four decades. Known as “Gaayan Maharshi,” Khan was known for his rigorous standards and selective approach to mentoring. Only two outsiders, Kesarbai and Moghubai Kurdikar, were accepted as his pupils. Kesarbai’s dedication paid off, and she became a central figure in the world of Hindustani classical music. She performed alongside her guru in major concerts, including the notable Vikramaditya Conference in Bombay in 1944. Her relationship with Khan lasted until his death in 1946, after which she continued to uphold the traditions he had instilled in her. Kesarbai’s vocal prowess was legendary. She possessed a three-octave range, allowing her to effortlessly transition between high and low registers, an achievement uncommon among female singers. Her performances were characterized by a strong presence and a refusal to compromise artistic integrity. She avoided recordings during her prime, believing that live performances best captured the essence of classical music. This stance reflected her deep respect for the purity of the art form and her skepticism toward modern technologies that might dilute its authenticity. Kesarbai Kerkar received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Her influence extended beyond music, inspiring generations of artists and scholars. Today, her voice continues to echo beyond Earth, carried by the Voyager spacecraft as a symbol of human creativity and cultural expression. As the Voyager probes journey further into the unknown, they carry with them the melodies of a woman whose voice bridged worlds, both earthly and cosmic.