Kala Sarathi- A Charioteer of the Arts
In its 7500-year history, Indian Performing Arts has seen a changing yet always relevant impact in society. While on one hand art is a medium of spiritual communication and communion, on the other hand, it is also a medium of education and entertainment. Art and Artists have the ability to make society think and bring about changes. Art can make one erupt in thunderous applause as well as bring about a smile of contentment on the rasikas face.
‘The Kala Sarathi- A charioteer of the Arts”, World Forum for Art & Culture (WFAC) is recognizing artists across India for their remarkable contribution to sustaining, nurturing, preserving, and mainly PROMOTING Indian Performing and Fine arts. The title will be conferred upon artists on 26 January 2024 in the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji as part of the 3-Day Festival of Art & Culture: BHAAV-THE EXPRESSIONS SUMMIT at the Art of Living International Centre, Bengaluru.
Kala Sarathi 2024 Awardees
Bhai Baldeep Singh, a versatile artist, excels in classical and Sikh music. A dedicated researcher, he revives traditional string instruments for Sikh music, showcasing mastery in Pakhawaj Mridang Jori.
Kalamandalam Saraswathi, an eminent Indian classical dancer from Kerala, is recognized for her mastery in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi. Honored with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award in 1983 for Bharatanatyam, she is also the wife of acclaimed Malayalam writer M. T. Vasudevan Nair.
Sri SV Narayan, Morsing artist from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, excels in Bharatanatyam Arangetrams, Carnatic Vocal music, and Mridangam for Bhajans. Renowned performer in Mumbai, USA; attributes fitness to simple lifestyle, good habits, and love for music.
Shubha Vaidya, a JJ School of Arts graduate, skillfully blends Indian folk art with contemporary techniques. As founder of a Future Artists NGO, her vibrant palette and charismatic persona define her. Her series, including Shiva, Shakti, and Ahilyabai Holkar, convey profound narratives. Her expressive details and intricate borders fuse core folk arts, offering a decorative allure. A vital figure in promoting Indian art, Shubha Vaidya enriches the Contemporary Art Fraternity.
Ustad Fazal Qureshi, a renowned Indian Tabla Maestro, developed a distinctive style under Ustad Alla Rakha’s guidance, drawing inspiration from his brother Ustad Zakir Hussain.
Kiran Bhaskar Phatak teaches Hindustani Classical Music for over 35 years. He produced over 400 compositions, blending languages. Honored for his musical endeavors, he published 37 books on classical music, social issues, and spiritual compositions, receiving wide acclaim.
Iringappuram Babu, born in 1972, Thrissur, Kerala, is a Chenda maestro mentored by Chowalloor Mohanan Nair. His innovative Tayambaka renditions showcase artistic evolution, and he organized the groundbreaking Pandi Mela in 2022, marking a paradigm shift in Chendamela.
Janardhanan V S, born on April 4, 1956, in Thrissur, hails from a musical lineage. A versatile artist, he served as a Sanskrit teacher and is a prolific composer in various dance forms, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical dance.
Born in Gwalior, the city of “Sangeet Samrat Tansen,” in March 1967, he received his initial musical training under his mother, Mrs. Usha Vaze (Manke).
Kalpana Zokarkar, rooted in the prestigious Gwalior Gharana, inherits a rich musical heritage from her father and guru, Shree Krishnarao Majumdar (Mamasaheb), known for his close association with vocal maestros like Ustad Rajjab Ali Khan of Dewas. She serves as a torchbearer of this esteemed tradition, preserving profound musical knowledge across generations.
Born in Palakkad, Kerala, immersed in Carnatic music and Mridangam, later settling in Mumbai. Retired engineer, my lifelong passion led to mentoring, performances, and cultural contributions for over 50 years.
Indumati Raman, a Kalakshetra graduate, revived the Bhagavata Mela Natya tradition, curating festivals, and initiating a Marathi production. Her book and talks reflect her commitment to preserving this ancient art form.
Pt. Brijbhushan Goswami Ji, a revered figure in Indian Classical Music, dedicates 54 years to revitalizing Dhrupad-Dhamar and Haveli Sangeet. As an extraordinary scholar, he performs globally, nurtures disciples, and guides research. Awards like Surmani (1989), Sanskaar Bharti (2022), and Braj Ratna Samman (2023) recognize his exceptional contributions.
Santosh Kumar Nahar, a rising star in North Indian Hindustani classical music, showcases his prowess as an accomplished young violinist, captivating audiences with melodic and dynamic performances.
Born on in Mumbai, Shrimati Lata N.R. Prashant Niwas, daughter of Late Pandit N.L. Ranade, trained by her father and Pandit Jasraj Ji, released “Shanta Durga Vijayate.” Renowned for her musical excellence, she earned awards, including Mayor’s Award in 2010. With a thirty-year tenure as a music teacher, she shapes aspiring musicians.
Dr. Komaravolu Sivaprasad, the “Whistle Wizard,” is a globally celebrated Whistle Artist with world records, an Honorary Doctorate, and a 50-year career spanning 25 countries.
Born in 1948, Guru Smt. Sreelakshmi Mahanti embarked on her dance journey at 8, mentored by Guru Sri Mahanti Venkateswara Rao.She established the Visakha Dance Academy in 1948. Noteworthy contributions include formulating Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi syllabus at Allahabad University in 1963 and choreographing the title song for the Tamil movie “Ival Varul Pournami.” Over 60 years, she remains a cornerstone, supporting the institute’s artistic legacy.
T S Vasanthamadhavi is a luminary in Karnatic Music. A versatile performer, composer, and teacher, she started her musical journey at 5 under Vid. Sreenivasa Raghavachar and Vid. Gopalakrishna. Advanced training with Sri D. Subbaramaiah, a B.Sc. graduate from Bangalore University, and Kovida in Sanskrit showcases her academic prowess. Beyond music, her dramatic talent shone, frequently portraying male characters. T S Vasanthamadhavi has left an indelible mark, enriching Karnatic Music with her multifaceted brilliance.
Vaidyanathan Balasubramania, hailing from a musical lineage, is a Vainika Gayaka devoted to Sampradaya Sangeetha. His School, “Sangeetha Vaijayanthi,” promotes traditional music and values. Vaidyanathan is conferred with titles: “Asthana Vidwan of Kaanchi” and many, helping him spread and inculcate the benefits of music as “Nada Yoga”.