In the introduction before the concert begins, George Harrison expresses his gratitude to the audience for attending the benefit concert. He mentions that the first part of the concert will feature Indian music, specifically a sitar and sarood duet. He asks the audience to settle down and appreciate the seriousness of Hindi music during this section. George then introduces the performers, including Ravi Shankar on sitar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan on sarood, Allah Rakha on tabla, and Kamala playing the tamboora. Ravi Shankar, addressing the audience, acknowledges George's introduction. He explains that the Indian music they will be performing requires concentration and patience. He mentions that though the audience may be eager to hear their favorite stars in the second part of the concert, they are using their music to bring awareness to the serious situation in Bangladesh and the refugees in India. Ravi mentions they will be playing a dhun, based on a folk tune from Bangladesh, followed by a fast gat in teentaal, a rhythm cycle of 16 beats. He also requests the audience to refrain from smoking during the program. Overall, the introduction sets the tone for the concert, emphasizing the importance of the music in addressing a meaningful cause and urging the audience to appreciate and understand the Indian music styles that will be performed.
