Pundit Debasis Chakroborty
Pt. Debasis Chakroborty, a well-known Indian classical Slide guitar virtuoso of India, has joined the Department of Performing Art under the faculty of Humanities Mangalayatan University since its inception.
His repertoire in Hindustani classical music attracts students & scholars from all over India & abroad. He has a vast professional experience of more than twenty-five years in the field of Hindustani classical music. He is a regular visitor, conductor-performer and Artist-in-Residence at several foreign Universities in Australia and the USA.
He was crucial in successfully implementing an international collaborative research project on music between Mangalayatan University and Monash University, Australia. He has published ten research papers in National and International books and journals.
He has performed extensively throughout South East Asia, Australia, the USA and Europe in major international music festivals and received appreciation & honours from the musical fraternity worldwide. He is also an expert in many Govt. and non Govt. organizations.
Premkumar Mallick
Pandit Prem Kumar Mallick belongs to the illustrious musical family of Darbhanga Gharana and represents the 12th generation of this musical lineage. His training in Dhruvpad- Dhammar started at an early age under the guidance of his father late Pt. Vidur Mallick, the Dhrupad maestro. He had the opportunity of learning from his grandfather Lt. Pt. Sukhdev Mallick, the renowned Dhrupad singer.
The long-lived tradition of the Dhrupad lineage of Darbhanga is embodied in the stunning form of his Alapa, the incessant flow of the laya (rhythm) joined with the finest literature (poetry). His recital is marked for the unique, rich repertory of compositions, the use of Khandarwani and Gauharwani besides variety of Layakaries & tihayees. The flawless manner of his bringing out the nuances of Ragas shows how the rigorous training has contributed in making him the consummate artist that he is. Pt. Mallick has been mastered not only in Dhrupad but also in Khyal, Thumari-Dadra, Tappa & melodious Bhajans.
Durjay Bhaumik
An acclaimed accompanist as well as soloist, Durjay Bhaumik hails from Kolkata. Born and raised in a musical environment, Durjay’s early initiation into Music by Pandit Dulal Nutta of Banaras Gharana nurtured Durjay’s considerable talent.
He has been learning the intricacies of Musical and Rhythmic expressions and advanced studies with Tal Yogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar since 2001. His tonal excellence, technical virtuosity and sensitivity towards the nuances of music have taken him places accompanying celebrities of Indian Classical Music in India's leading Classical Music Festivals and overseas.
In his career spanning over two & half decades now, he is one of his generation's most sought-after Tabla players. As a part of collaborative work with world music, he has performed with the celebrated musicians of different countries. Like Art Lee of Japan, Raho Langsepp of Estonia, the Vienna youth choir, etc., to name a few. He has performed and directed a rhythm ensemble - "NAAD CONFLUENCE”, with various Artists of Hindustani and Carnatic Classical Music. Connoisseurs & critics have marked his presence in the prestigious music festivals of the country.
Tejaswini Digamber Vernekar
Tejaswini Digamber Vernekar is a distinguished and graded artiste of All India Radio, with over two decades of formal training in Hindustani classical vocal music. An alumna of Banaras Hindu University, she is a renowned figure with an array of national scholarships, awards, and prestigious first-place finishes in competitions across India.
Tejaswini has enthralled audiences with her performances in major cities and iconic festivals nationwide. Her accomplishments shine bright, with a gold medal from Banaras Hindu University and top ranks at esteemed examinations such as the 'Sangeet Alankaar' conducted by Akhila Bharata Gandharva Mahamandala.
Aditya Dip
Aditya Dip’s musical roots trace back to Varanasi's timeless cultural milieu. He was meticulously groomed in the art of Pakhawaj under the watchful eyes of the late maestro, Pt. Shrikant Mishra. This profound training has culminated in Aditya's collaborations with some of the most iconic figures in Dhrupad music, including the Gundecha Brothers, Pt. Ritwik Sanyal and Padmashri Anup Jalota, among others.
While Aditya’s proficiency in accompanying celebrated artists is widely acclaimed, he equally shines in his solo Pakhawaj renditions. He has graced multiple Taal-Vadya-Kacheris and Pakhawaj duets, lending his beats to dance performances.
Aditya's intrinsic love for music in his early years propelled him towards Tabla. At 12, he received foundational training from Dr. Jai Prakash Singh & Pt. Kishor Mishra. His educational journey further led him to earn a Sangeet Prabhakar in Tabla and Pakhawaj from PSS, Allahabad. Not stopping there, Aditya delved into the advanced nuances of Tabla at the esteemed Banaras Hindu University, earning a Master's degree in music.
Shanish Kumar Gaywali
Born in the historically rich city of Varanasi on 27th February 1985, Dr. Shanish Kumar Gyawali was destined to immerse himself in the ocean of music. This lineage-rich environment of the Banaras Gharana nurtured him from a tender age. His musical journey began under the esteemed guidance of Guru Shrivinod Prasanna and Dr. Prahalad Nath, renowned flautist associated with Banaras Hindu University. Furthermore, Dr Gyawali was privileged to receive training from the celebrated sitarist Vidushi Krishna Chakravarty, a disciple of the legendary Bharat Ratna awardee, Pt. Ravi Shankar.
Dr Gyawali's flute has sung melodies at numerous prestigious festivals and conferences across India. Some of his notable performances include the Sankatmochan Festival, Ganga Mahotsava, and Vayas Mahotsava in Varanasi; the Rampur Mahotsav in Rampur; Chakradhar Samaroh in Raighar; and the Khajuraho Festival in Madhya Pradesh. His contributions to music were recognized in 2009 when H.R.D. awarded him the Young Artist Scholarship. Moreover, his excellence earned him a 'B High grade' as a flute artist by All India Radio.
Lalit Kumar
Hailing from Azamgarh and brought up in Magalsarai by his father, the late Mr. Ram Sundar, Lalit Kumar's introduction to the tabla began at an early age. By merely seven years old, his innate talent shone brightly as he secured the top position at the All India Railway Music Competition in Magalsarai. He embarked on his musical journey with the late Mr. Anokhe Lal Mishra, a disciple of his grandfather, Mr. Ram Sundar, known as the 'Magician of Tabla'.
Lalit's commitment to his art led him to Varanasi during his teenage years, where he furthered his education under the tutelage of the respected tabla virtuoso, the late Mr. Ramji Mishra. Demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication, Lalit Kumar rose swiftly within the Banaras Gharana, earning coveted recognition as a grade 'A' artist by All India Radio, New Delhi, by age twenty.
Debaditya Chakraborty
Hailing from a musically rich environment, Debaditya Chakraborty, representing the "Senia-Maihar Gharana", embarked on his sitar odyssey under the guidance of his father, Pt. Debasis Chakraborty. Further refining his skills, he sought the expertise of the illustrious Sri Niladri Kumar and had the privilege to receive guidance from maestros like Late Pt. Brij Bhushan Kabra, Late Padmashree Pt. Bhajan Sopori, Shri Alam Khan, and more.
Merging the essence of Gayaki and Tantrakari Angs, Debaditya's sitar renditions are a melodic confluence of the traditional playing patterns of Surbahar and Veena with modern chordal and harmonic nuances. His "Layakari" stands out, showcasing intricate rhythmic patterns, making each performance a mesmerizing experience. Apart from classical pieces, his light compositions and folk tunes resonate deeply with listeners.
Dr Pankaj Sharma
Dr. Pankaj Sharma, hailing from the scenic town of Sujangarh in Rajasthan, embarked on his musical journey with guidance from the esteemed Dr. Ramgopal Tripathi. His relentless dedication and passion for music drove him to pursue a PhD from the Sangeet Reem Faculty of Stage Arts at Banaras Hindu University.
He continues to enhance his musical prowess under the tutelage of Dr. Ramshankar in Banaras. Besides being a music student, Dr Sharma also imparts knowledge as an Assistant Professor at Dhirendra Mahila Mahavidyalaya in Banaras. Over the years, he has showcased his musical talents on various stages nationwide, earning accolades and admiration from peers and audiences alike.
Sandipan Mukherjee
Born in the cultural landscape of Bihar, Sandipan Mukherjee discovered his love and talent for the Tabla at a tender age, immersing himself in its rhythmic world under the guidance of the renowned Pt. Kumar Bose. As he honed his craft, Sandipan's journey took him to Pune, where he further expanded his musical horizons by completing his master's in music from the prestigious Bharati Vidyapeeth.
Continuing his musical evolution, he is now under the mentorship of Tabla Maestro, Pt. Arvind Kumar Azad Ji. Beyond his academic accomplishments, Sandipan has had the honour of sharing the stage with some of India's musical legends. He has collaborated with stalwarts like Pt. Ronu Majumdar, Pt. Shubhendra Rao and Pt. Rajendra Kulkarni, to name a few, showcased his immense talent and passion for the art form.