On August 21, 2006, Ustad Bismillah Khan, world-renowned musician and Hindustani classical musical maestro, passed away peacefully in India at the age of 90. Born in Puria, Bihar, India, in 1916, Ustad Bismillah Khan was taught to play the Shehnai, a wind instrument, by his uncle, Ali Baksh. He began his career at the age of six, performing at the Allahabad Music Conference in 1922. During his impressive career, he was a part of many events including the opening of Parliament and the India Culture Centenary Celebrations in Delhi. The Shehnai maestro was also the first Indian to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, India's highest civilian award, in 1980. Ustad Bismillah Khan became a revered icon in India's music scene and enjoyed international acclaim for his talent and devotion to Shehnai. With immense gratitude, he was the recipient of honors that included numerous titles such as “Shehnai Samrat” (Emperor of Shehnai), “Ustad Bismillah Khan”, “Bharat Ratna”, and his aunt's name: “Maniram”. He was loyal to his work and passionate about teaching, training many young Shehnai players over the years. Ustad Bismillah Khan will be remembered as an ideal considered in the world of classical Indian music, and his incomparable contribution to the genre remains rooted in the hearts of thousands until today. He is survived by his sons.