Vanamala Center for Art and Culture (formerly known as Vanamala Art Foundation) is a unique organization whose aim is to propagate all forms of Indian Art and Culture. Tucked away in the southern end of Bangalore, Vanamala Center for Art and Culture offers various services such as classes in Karnatak music and yoga along with seminars on forms of art such as Theater, Dance, Visual arts, Temple architecture, philosophy amongst others. It also houses a library which can be utilized by students and enthusiasts of Indian art. Apart from the literary aspects, it has also produced documentaries, published books and audio cds under its banner. The Center aims to raise awareness across all forms of Indian art and has partnered with various personalities and organizations to achieve the same.

Vanamala Center for Art and Culture, founded by Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh traces its origin back to 1995. It initially started as a school for young aspirants to learn Karnatak Music. The school also provided a platform for the aspirants to showcase their singing talent by organizing annual events such as Composers’ Day, Aradhanas and musical events for Indian festivals. The school achieved recognition on a national level when it trained 20 students between the ages of 6 and 12 to participate in the All India Radio Choral Music Competition (1997). The students stood first in the District and State Levels and entered the National level earning a distinguished position in the competition. The students of the school have also participated in All India Radio programs such as Ruthu Vinyasa (a musical explaining the different seasons as per the India Calendar), Kannada Naadu Cheluvina Bidu (the picturesque places of Karnataka) and others.

Over the years, the School evolved into an organization that started promoting other forms of Indian art and culture. The foundation organized several workshops on various art forms at its premises in Bangalore. Some of these workshops include the Kamalamba Navavarana Kritis of Sri. Muthuswamy Dikshithar and Suladi of Haridasas by Prof. T. Sharada; Rare Jathi Swaras and Swara Jathis by Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh and forms of theatre by Sri. Venkatesh. In addition to art-specific workshops, the organization has also conducted events for general public such as ‘Rasa Ranjane – evening of dance, drama, and music’; many events at Indian Institute of World Culture like ‘Swara Maadhuri’, ‘Sri Chakra darshana’, Book and CD releases, Centenary celebrations of the treatise Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini; ‘Hari Kesha’- 125th birthday remembrance of the great musician-composer Harikeshanallur Dr. L.Muthaih Bhagavatar at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and National Seminar on Katha Keertan

The 10th Anniversary of the organization was celebrated by a unique musical – Bhaktiyaana which comprised compositions on Lord Narayana beginning with Suprabhata continuing with various events and concluding with a lullaby to the Almighty. The musical was later produced into an audio CD which was released in 2010. It has also produced the documentary, ‘Sri Chakra Darshana’ which describes the specifics of Sri Chakra worship, Sri Vidya and the compositions of Sri Muthuswamy Dikshithar.

In 2013, the organization was rechristened to Vanamala Center for Art and Culture in order to encompass new goals such as undertaking research projects and supporting research students who are pursuing active research in musicology, dance, theatre, temple architecture and other art forms. The Center also houses a library with over 2000 books on Music, Musicology, Philosophy, allied Arts; Archives comprising Manuscripts of rare unpublished compositions, photographs connected to Musicians, Ancient Temples, Sculptures; recordings of yesteryear musicians, interviews of great scholars. The organization is led by Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh and a group of trustees who represents diverse fields and bring their expertise to drive the organization.

The latest offering of Vanamala Center For Art & Culture includes Bharatiya Samskriti Darshana which touches upon various facets of Indian art and culture.

The Team

About the Team

Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh

Dr. Meera started learning the Veena at the age of 7 from Vidwan L. Sheshagiri Rao and then pursued Karnatak Vocal music under the tutelage of Vidushi Sudha V. Murthy and Vidushi Rohini Manjunath. She received her Postgraduate degree in Karnatak Music from Bangalore University and was awarded the Gold Medal in 1995. Meera has completed her M.Phil and Ph.D. from the same university with her M.Phil topic being The Splendour of Dr. L. Muthiah Bhagavathar under the guidance of Vidwan Belakawadi Srinivasa Iyengar and Prof. Rajalakshmi Tirunarayanan and her Doctoral research was on Musical Composers during the Wodeyar Dynasty (1638-1947 AD) under the guidance of Sri. B V K Shastry and Dr. B M Jayashree. She was also the recipient of the Research Fellowship from the HRD, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, and completed her project under the guidance of Dr. R Satyanarayana.

She is well versed with the Performing Arts facet of Music and performs in concerts and also has a keen interest in the academic/research side of Music and has delivered several lecture-demonstrations and has multiple publications under her name. Presently, she takes classes for Karnatak Vocal at Vanamala Center for Art and Culture. She is also a UGC approved Guide for MPhil and PhD students and guided 17 MPhil and 9 PhD scholars. Presently she has 4 PhD scholars pursuing their research in music under her.

Performances:

Given Vocal Concerts and Lecture demonstrations
 Conceived and Directed Musical Dramas for Children Section ,All India Radio, Bangalore
 Conceived and presented musical feature in F.M. radio – GyanaVani on Composers during Wodeyar Dynasty
 Directed Music for few Classical Dramas
 Conceived and directed a musical program Bhakti yaana comprising the Compositions on Lord Narayana. The thematic songs beginning with a Suprabhata, continues on the routine chores, concluding with a lullaby to the Almighty, taking audience on a journey of devotion.
 Conceived and conducted a program on Mutthaih Bhagavatar’s Sanskrit Compositions for Samskrita Sourabha – Doordarshan
 Conceived and directed musical program Swara Madhuri comprising rare Jathi swaras and Swarajathis
 Was interviewed by Doordarshan and All India Radio on the musical journey
 Talk on Contribution of Women composers to Vaishnavaism in All India Radio, Bangalore
 Talk on Advantages of music learning for Yuvavani, All India Radio
 Talk on Yantra- Mantra- Tantra in Karnatak Music compositions in Shankara Channel
 Audio – visual presentation on Classical Music in Mysore for the Webinar series- Mysore as a seat of Indian Culture hosted by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
 Released an Audio CD Bhakti yaana comprising of songs on Lord Lakshmi Narayana, beginning with Suprabhata to Laali
 Released 2 hour Documentary Sri Chakra Darshana a DVD explaining Sri Chakra through Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s Kamalamba Navavarana Kritis in Kannada and English versions. The Documentary Sri Chakra Darshana was selected for International Online Film Festival- Spirit Enlightened 2013 hosted by Culture Unplugged
 Concept, Script, Editing, Direction and Produced- Dasha Mahavidya- The Ten Cosmic Powers- a documentary in the languages Kannada and English in 12 episodes on You tube on Vanamala Center for Art and Culture Channel

Academics –

Published the books titled
 Musical Composers During Wodeyar Dynasty (1638 – 1947 A.D)
 Harikeshanallur Dr L Mutthaih Bhagavatar- A Biography
 Biography on Prof. T Sharada, a reputed Karnatak music Vocalist and Veena player, Musicologist and Author
 Compiled and Edited Haridasara Kannada Suladis- DVD and Book with original notations- In Sanskrit, Kannada, English languages
 Gita Gangadhara a Geya Rupaka by Kalale Nanjaraja in Sanskrit, Kannada, English languages
 Lecture Demonstrations with Audio Visual presentations on different Topics like Contributions of Vachanakaras, Haridasas, Trinity, History of Indian Music, Mysore Composers, Individual Muscians/ Composers, Ragas etc
 Special Invitee, Proficiency grade, Directorate of Text Books, Govt. of Karnataka. Contributed many chapters in musicology for Proficiency grade Text Book
 Written Articles on Musicology and Musicians for Music Journals
 Authored on the contribution of Women Musicians for the encyclopedia from Hampi University
 Authored Biographies of yester year Musicians- Kala Chetana, Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy
 Written for Belligere- Achievements of Smt.Komala Varadan and Dr.Rajashekar Mansur during their tenure as Chairman, Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy
 Authored biography of Sitar maestro Pandit Ravishankar for Bharata Bharati series published by Rashtrotthana Parishat, Bangalore
 Well equipped and interested in presenting Audio Visual Lecture Demonstrations on Karnatak Music.
 Former Member and Editor Nada Nritya a Quarterly published by, Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy
 Editor, Karnataka Sangeeta Kalavidaru – 2 Volumes published by Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy
 Former Editor, Ganakalasiri, Monthly journal, Karnataka Ganakala Parishat ®
 Former Member, Malavalli Narayana Swamy Trust, Mysore University for Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Smaarakotsava
 Former Joint Secretary and General Secretary- Karnataka Ganakala Parishat – conducted many State level Music
Conferences
 Former Advisor, Interview Board, Posts of Program Executive and Transmission Executive, Prasara Bharati, Govt. of India
 Organized a National Seminar on Katha Keertan from Vanamala Center for Art and Culture
 Editor in Chief, Research journal with 51 articles on various art forms authored by research scholars all over India, brought out by Vanamala Center for Art and Culture
 Former Member, Experts Core Committee for the Programs in Visual Arts and Performing Arts, IGNOU, New Delhi
 Former Member, Board of studies and Board of Examiners Bangalore University, Mysore University, Jain University
 Member, Selection committee for Chowdiah National Award, Dept. of Kannada and Culture, Govt. of Karnataka

 Has chaired many National and International Conferences
 Member Organizing Committee, International Conference on Music and dance 2020, Indiranagar Sangeeta Sabha, Bangalore

Dr.Meera has served as a Visiting faculty- Music for 15 years in the Department of Performing Arts, Bangalore University. She was an Adjunct faculty- Music for more than a decade in the Department of Performing Arts, Jain University. At present she is the Managing Trustee Vanamala Center for Art and Culture®. Head, Degree and Masters programs in Music, Lakshminarayana Global Center for Excellence (LGCE) started by Dr L Subramaniam and Dr Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam. Eminent Faculty, Department of Music, LGCE- Vishwakarma University, Pune. Research Guide, Department of Performing Arts, Jain University

Many organizations have honored Dr Meera for her contributions towards Music. Among the many honors Dr Meera has received-
 Honored by Rani Vijaya Devi sister of His Highness Jaya Chamaraja Wodeyar in International Music and Arts Society
 Honored by His Highness Shivaji Rajah T. Bhosle, Prince of Tanjavur in Mysore during Veena Shamanna’s Centenary celebrations
 Honored with the award Shastra Koustubha by Ananya GML Cultural Academy, Bangalore
 Honored with the award Ganakala Suvarna from Karnataka Ganakala Parishat, Bangalore during its 50th Annual Conference
 Honored with the award Swara bhooshani from Gayana Samaj, Bangalore during its 50 th Annual Conference

Role in extension activities
Worked for bringing out many projects during my tenure as a Member of Karnataka
Sangeeta Nritya Academy, Govt. of Karnataka
 Documentary on Gotuvadyam
 Kalaswaada – 3 documentaries on how to appreciate Karnatak Classical Music, Hindustani Classical Music and Bharatanatyam
 Kanataka Sangeeta Yatre– A series of programs in different parts of India to propagate Karnatak classical music
 Yuva Chetana – series of programs performed by young musicians in different educational institutions of Karnataka on Karnatak,Hindustani, Light music, Classical Dance, Gamaka and Harikatha to propagate these forms of Art among younger generations.
 Worked as a Member on editorial board for bringing out hundreds of compositions compiled by Late Mathur Shankara Murthy in 9 volumes.

Vidhushi H. K.Kamala

Vidhushi H.K.Kamala holds a Bachelor’s degree in Karnatak Music from Maharani’s College, Bangalore where she studied under Professor G. Chennamma. Her marriage to prof. R. Balaji Rao and eventual settlement in Varanasi, gave her an opportunity to pursue her interest in music under the mentorship of Vidwan Professor Srirangam R Kannan, Professor, Banaras Hindu University. She is a performing artist and has given several stage acts at Banaras, Delhi (All India Radio), Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Bangalore. In Banaras, she established ‘Gana Lahari’ – a school of Karnatak music where she trained several students. She has also released an audio CD titled – Sarvam Brahma mayam which includes Devaranamas and Bhajans of different composers. She relocated to Bangalore with her husband Dr. R. Balaji Rao where she presently teaches music to several students.

Mrs. Sandhya Ram

Mrs. Sandhya is an artist across multiple fields; she is a Karnatak Musician and has been learning music since childhood. She has performed alongside Dr. Meera and other singers and has been one of the main singers for Sri Chakra Darshana as well Bhaktiyaana. Mrs. Sandhya has sung some portions of Soundarya lahari tuned in  classical ragas which was telecasted in Suvarna TV Channel.   Apart from music, she is also an expert in floral decorations, crafts, and caning.

Dr. Ananth Pranesh

Dr. Pranesh is doctor by profession who served as a medical officer at National Aerospace Laboratories for over 20 years and now continuing own practice in Bangalore. His interests include nature photography and have contributed several articles and given many slide shows in this regard. He has also contributed towards the screenplay and script for Sri Chakra Darshana.

Sindhoora S

Sindhoora is a yoga instructor who specializes in Yoga
Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Yogic Sciences from Bangalore University
and is a Gold Medallist. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy
from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA) and has also
completed a Yoga Instructor Course from the same institution.

She has participated in various therapy camps conducted by
SVYASA for various psychosomatic ailments including Diabetes, Hypertension,
Muscular and Bone related ailments. She has taken therapy classes in these
respective classes and has also taken general yoga classes for students and
software professionals. She completed an in depth study on Yoga and Intermediate
Memory in High School Children during her study in Bangalore University.  In addition to Yoga Therapy classes she was
also a Guest Lecturer at the Yoga Center in Bangalore University.

Apart from her PhD research, Sindhoora is currently a freelance
Yoga Therapist and takes therapy classes   for
Menopause, Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Yoga Therapy,
back-pain, neck pain, Sciatica, knee pain, Migraine Asthma, Hypertension among
others. She also takes private classes for psychological disorders such as GAD,
Clinical Depression and OCD.

She was a Yoga Consultant at
Fortis Hospitals and has provided consultation and therapy for patients with
cardiac problems, stress disorders, Clinical Depression, Post-Natal Depression,
Paralysis, back pain and others

She also takes therapy classes for various ailments at Vanamala Center for Art and Culture along with general Yoga classes.

Dr. Sandeep B R

Dr. Sandeep is a second generation dental surgeon who practices in Jayanagar, Bangalore. He received his degree in Dental Surgery from Oxford Dentist College in 2003. Apart from dental surgery, he also has interests in the real estate space and is engaged in construction of residential apartments. He is an ardent runner and also plays tennis.

Mr. Gnanesh Shivanna

Mr. Gnanesh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electronics and Communications) and is presently a Software Development Manager at Wildfire Networks. Apart from software development, Mr. Gnanesh has a keen interest in Theatre and was trained under National Award Winning director – Prema Karanth. He has been a part of the drama team that has won several competitions at the University level and has gone on to represent the University at Zonal level competitions. He was also a part of the ‘mad ads’ team which was adjourned the ‘Best in Bangalore’ for two consecutive years. He entered professional theatre by directing and acting in the English play Death of a Salesman which was also performed at Ranga Shankara, Bangalore. Gnanesh has lent his voice as a narrator for Sri Chakra Darshana.

Mr. Sanjay Pranesh

Mr. Sanjay holds a Master’s degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University, International Business School, Boston. He is presently a financial analyst working with an Equity Research firm. Apart from being a financial analyst, Mr. Sanjay is a traveller and wildlife photographer with a keen interest to Music and Theatre.

Dr. M V Archana Bhat

Dr. M V Archana Bhat is a Karnatak and Light music vocalist as well as a Gamaka Artist. Being a qualified musician in Proficiency grade from Karnataka Secondary Education Board, Dr. Bhat has learnt the art under the tutelage of scholars such as Vid. Sudha Sridhar, Vid. Shantha Bai, Vid. Madhur Balasubramanyam, Vid. Anoor Ramakrishna, Vid. D. Shashikala, Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh and Late Mysore Anantha Swamy in Light Music. She has received her Doctorate from Bangalore University for her research on Karnataka Sangeetada Rachanegalalli Sri Vidyeya Ullekha (References of Sri Vidya in Karnatak music Compositions) under the guidance of Dr. B M Jayashree. Dr. Bhat is also a Graded Artist of All India Radio, Bangalore and has sung for plays directed by Rajendra Karanth and Geeta Bali. She has given several performances and concerts in Karnatak and Light music as well as Gamaka at IGNOU, Prathama Gamaka Sammelana, Kannada Kavya Pata Sarani, IGNOU, Kumarvyasa Bharata and Doordarshan. In addition, she is a writer who has penned many articles on Music and Gamaka. She has previously served as Convenor, Youth wing Karnataka Gana Kala Parishath and continues to serve as Secretary at Raaga Sannidhi. She has been the former Editor of Gana Kalasiri and has contributed for the book Karnatak Music Artists published by Karnataka Sangeeta Nrithya Academy. She has also been honored with the Aryabhata Award for Light Music.

Mr. Satya Prasad

He served as a Section Officer at National Aerospace Laboratories. He chose Kannada theatre as a hobby and being an amateur dramatist, he has performed in more than 100 stage plays. Prasad has acted in more than 40 dramas of All India Radio, Bangalore. Directed many plays of which Home rule of T P Kailasam earned him Best actor and Best Director awards at State level Drama competitions.

Prasad has also written and
directed many plays. Some of them being- Madonmatta
gaanadatta on de- addiction; Yena
bedali ninna balige bandu– a musical play; Nanji Putnanji– a comparison of T P Kailasam and G.P Rajaratnam; Abhinava Vaagdevi Kanti; Govina Kathe in association with Prabhat
kalavidaru and many more.

Satya Prasad is the chief of Helping Hands an NGO, which is incessantly working for Orphanages and Physically Challenged Children.

Guru P Rajaram

Guru Rajaram holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Southern Illinois University and is a senior Information Technology professional based in Cary, North Carolina. Guru has interests in studying the rich social values of Vedic heritage. He is actively involved in the Triangle School of Vedic Vision, a not for profit organization in Cary, NC that mentors children and youth in the teachings of Vedic heritage. Besides, he also participates in the North Carolina chapter of AIM for Seva, a non-profit organization that builds and runs Chatralayas (free student homes) in rural and tribal locations in India.

The Research Team

Dr. M.A.Madhuvanthi

She is a Karnatak classical vocalist and a disciple of Ganakala Kasturi Vidushi Rupa Sridhar. She was the state second rank holder in the Senior examination conducted by KSEEB, completed Vidwat exam in 2005 and is a graded artist of All India Radio. She is a recipient of UGC’s Junior Research Fellowship and obtained Doctorate in Music from JAIN Deemed-to-be University under the guidance of Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh in 2019. She has established her own music school called “Chittaranjani Centre for Music” where students at all levels of learning are trained in Karnatak vocal music. Apart from performing concerts and teaching, she continues to be involved in research projects with her Guide.

Shivashankari Karthikeyan

Full time Carnatic Musician. Giving concerts along with her elder sister Charumathy Nagarajan titled as Bangalore Rajarajeshwari Sisters.
Training number of students through “Mathura Gana Vidya Mandir” – a music school run by them. Sri Thyagaraja and Purandaradasa Aradhana Mahotsav – Annual Music Festival is being organized and conducted every year for the past 13 years.
B Graded artist (Classical Devotional) in All India Radio, Bengaluru
Completed Mphil and currently pursuing PhD under the guidance of Dr Meera Rajaram Pranesh at Jain University.
Working as Program Executive for RAAGAM channel in All India Radio, Bengaluru

Ananya Bhagath 

She is a researcher and a musician and has made her mark in classical, light, film as well as devotional genres of music. She has completed MA(music), Mphil in Jain University, Bangalore. Currently pursuing a doctorate in music under the guidance of Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh. She is a disciple of Ganakalashree M.S.Sheela and Padmashri R.N.Tyagarajan .She is also a Playback singer in the South Indian Film industry. 

Ragini Sanath

Karnatak classical vocalist. Research scholar, pursuing research studies under Dr Meera Rajaram Pranesh. Completed Mphil in Music from Jain University (deemed to be), Bengaluru. A qualified Electronics and Communication engineer, previously associated as a software engineer with Tata Consultancy Services Ltd and Mediassist LTD.

Apoorva

Apoorva has been learning music since the age of 4. She is a disciple of Ganakalabhushana Vidwan R K Padmanabha. She is a gold medalist in MA-Music at Jain University. She has also completed MPhil in Music from Jain university and holds a Masters in Psychology. She has performed at various venues in Karnataka. She does research in her free time. She has also established a music institute.

Karthik Ganesh

Karthik has been learning music since the age of 4. He is a gold medalist in MA-Music at Jain University. He is currently working at Jain University as a Junior Research Fellow (UGC) and pursuing his Ph.D. He has performed in various venues in Chennai and Bangalore

Nagashree Narayan

Nagashree started learning music when she was 6 from Vid Mala Venkatesh. She is the disciple of Karnataka Kalashree Vidwan Tirumale Srinivas. She is a proud Telecommunication Engineer, previously working for IBM India Pvt Ltd. Currently working for Goldman Sachs as an Analyst. Completed her Masters in Music from Jain University. She has finished M.Phil under the guidance of Dr.Meera Rajaram Pranesh. She has performed in various venues all over Karnataka.

Pavani Kashinath

Pavani has been learning music since the age of 5. She is a gold medalist in MA-Music at Jain University. She is an A grade artist of All India Radio in two categories namely Devotional and Light music. She is one of the youngest artists to perform at the prestigious Akashavani Sangeetha Sammelan. She is one of the youngest artists to present a Lecture Demonstration on Avadhana Pallavi at the prestigious Karnataka Ganakala Parishath. She holds a degree in Medical Electronics Engineering.