Dr.Radhika Veenasadhika (Umdekar)
Address: Veena Venu Art Foundation -No 21, Mayuresh Delta , Plot 1 ,Sector 10 B , Ulwe Navi Mumbai ,Maharashtra 410206
Mobile :
9833703592
9137330679
Email :
vichitraveenasadhika@gmail.com
director@veenavenuartfoundation.com
Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika(Umdekar) is a distinguished figure in the realm of Indian classical music, renowned for her mastery of the Vichitra Veena and her innovative contributions to the art form. As the esteemed granddaughter of the late Pandit Balabhau Umdekar, a prominent vocalist from the esteemed Gwalior Gharana, Dr. Radhika was immersed in a musical environment from an early age. Guided and Learned by her father and guru, Pt. Shriram Umdekar, an accomplished Sitar and Rudra Veena player,
she honed her skills in classical singing, Sitar, and Vichitra Veena.She is also learning from Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Notably, Dr. Radhika holds the distinction of being the world’s first female artist to achieve mastery in playing the Vichitra Veena, a testament to her dedication and passion for the art. Dr. Radhika
Veenasadhika, in collaboration with her father, Pandit Shriram Umdekar, has made a significant mark in the annals of Indian Classical Music history by innovating, creating and popularizing a more compact version of the Vichitra Veena. This groundbreaking effort has resulted in making the instrument more accessible and
appealing to aspiring musicians worldwide. As a result, a growing number of students from across the globe are now embracing the Vichitra Veena, once considered a rarity in the musical landscape. Dr. Radhika’s artistic journey has been marked by numerous milestones, including the creation of original Ragas such as
Navalvihangi, Chaitrvani, and Madhumanjiri, which have captivated audiences worldwide. Her performances in seminars, concerts, and workshops both in India and abroad have garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing her versatility and virtuosity as a musician.Under Dr. Radhika Veena Sadhika’s leadership, the Veena Venu Art Foundation has trained over 500 students in traditional Indian veenas , including 300+ in the rare art of Vichitra Veena , and created awareness among over 2.21 million individuals
through the Veena Yug Anant initiative.In addition to her illustrious performing career, Dr. Radhika is also
a dedicated educator and founder of the Veena Venu Art Foundation which is located in Mumbai- Navi Mumbai- Pune, where she imparts her knowledge and passion for Indian classical music to aspiring musicians. The Foundation works towards the preservation and promotion of Indian Classical music , rare arts and Indian Cultural. She is also the Founder of International Vichitra Veena Council.
Dr. Radhika is not only a distinguished musician but also a prolific writer, having authored several articles and books on Indian Classical Music including but not limited to Indian classical MusicComic Series , A Vichitra Guide to Vichitra Veena Book ,Vichitra Veena Ek Bhramdiya Mantra, Tantra, Yantra , Veena –
Sur , Saaz , Awaaz and many more . Her innovative contributions encompass a range of educational materials, including workbooks and storybooks tailored specifically for young students eager to explore the rich traditions of Indian classical music. Through her writing, Dr. Radhika has made significant strides in making this venerable art form more accessible and engaging for learners of
all ages. Her contributions to the field have been recognized by various international publications, news channels, and electronic media, cementing her status as a leading authority in the world of classical music.
Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika’s profound artistry and unwavering commitment to musical excellence continue to inspire audiences around the globe, making her a true luminary in the world of Indian classical music.
Achievements and Awards :
● Performed in G20 in front of the 20 world leaders along with our own Honorable Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi Ji and President Smt Draupadi Murmu.UK President Rishi Sunak, Bangala desh Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and
other world Leader in 2023.
● Rajmata Jijau Puraskar 2019 By Mharashtra Navnirman
Sena Mumbai.
● Sundari Samrat Yuva Purskar by Siddhram Jadava Sanskruti
Kala Mandal Solapur . 2018.
● Abhikalpna Nari shakti Samman 2016.
● Presented a Paper on Art Music and its effect on Human life
in State level seminar organized by Pillai Hoc College of
education and research In Year 2015.
● The PERSON OF THE YEAR 2013 INTERNATIONAL
AWARD,by the gates and custodian foundation of U.K.
● Sa re ga ma pa Zee TV Has shown A feature On her Year
2012.
● Performed in Ethno 2011 in Five European country
represented India and Gave mentorship for 100 Musicians
around the globe.
● Awarded PHD In music Year 2009 the subject.
● Senior Research fellowship by Jiwaji University 2006.
● Junior Research fellowship by Jiwaji University 2003.
● Junior Research fellowship by Jiwaji University 2003.
● A CD of Vichitra Veena vadan released by Musican guild in
Year 2004.
● TOYI Award (Ten Outstanding You.ng Indian) by Indian
Jaycees 2003.
● Gwalior Ratna Alankaran by Gwalior Jaycees 2003.
● Surmani Upadhi Samman by Sursingar sansad Mumbai
2002.
● Nadsadhak Samman by Nad Sadhna Samiti, Agra.2002
● Honoured By Dr.Aban Mistri in Mumbai 2002.
● Honoured by Musicologist Pt.Nigam in Kal ke kalakar
sangeet sammelan Mumbai Year 2002.
● Awarded Fellowships JRF Net by university grant
commission in Year 2002.
● Gwalior Gaurav Samman By Gwalior Vikas Samiti Year 2001.
● Awarded Scholarship for young Artist in Year 2001-2002 by
Government of India ,Minstry of tourism and Culture.
● Honoured by Honourable minister Shree K .P singh 2001 in
Gwalior.
● Gold Medal in 13
th Yuva sangeet mahatosav in Year 2000.
● Durlabh sangeet Shaili Scolarship by Ustad Allauddin Khan
Sangeet Academy for Vichitra Veena In Year 2001.
● Two Gold Medals in M.A Sitar Year 2000.
● Sangeet Shiromani Vichitra Veena by Brij Sangeet
Vidyapeeth 1999.
● Title of “Sangeet Kala Ratna” by Matru Udbodhan Ashram,
Patna. 1999.
● Two Gold Medals Kovid in Sitar Year 1998.
● Sangeetacharya -Vichitra Veena by Brij Sangeet
Vidyapeeth1997.
● Sangeet Shiromani Sitar by Brij sangeet Vidyapeeth 1997.
● High Grade artist of AIR .
● She got senior research fellowship for Vichitra Veena .
● National Talent search Scholarship by centre for cultural
resources and training, New Delhi for Sitar.
● Honoured by minister of sports in Bhopal 1996.
● Awarded Durlabh sangeet shaily scholarship by Ustad
Alauddin khan sangeet Academy Bhopal.
● Awarded Scholarship by Ministry of tourism & culture, Govt.
of India for Vichitraveena
● Gold Medal at 13th Yuva Sangeet Nritya Mahotsav organized
by south central zone cultural in 2000.
● She participated at the All India Radio music competition
held by Akashvani was given special award and Gold medal
and recognition as approved artist of all India Radio. In year
1998.
● Mrignayani Award by West zone Intervarsity 1998-1999
● First in Sitar Vadan in District Youth Festival in Year 1999
organised by Jiwaji Vishwa Vidyalay.
● Bronze Medal at National Youth Festival Calcutta in 1997 for
Vichitra Veena.
● Appreciated by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Violin Maestro
late Pt.V.G Jog While performing at Hafiz Ali khan trust Year
1997
● Appreciated by Smt. Usha Ram Murti, Late Pt.Gopal Shankar
Mishra , Ustad Shamim Ahemad and Pt.Giriraj In Year 1997
● Special Award and Gold Medal and B grade received in
Aakashwani Sangeet Pratiyogita Year 1997 for Vichitra
Veena Vadan
● Gold medal in State youth festival in Year 1996 For Vichitra
Veena and Sitar
● Gold Medal in District youth Festival in 1996 For Vichitra
Veena and Sitar
● Mentor for Sitar and Music in Hafiz Ali Khan Memorial trust
fom 1996 to 1998
● Special First in Pt.Balabhau Umdekar Ekal Shatsriy sangeet
Competition in in Vocal Classical in Year 1996
● Gold Medal in Vichitra Veena in Madhya Pradesh Yuva Utsav
1995
● First in Interuniversity Competition in Sitar and Vichitra
Veena Year 1994
● First in Interuniversity Competition in Sitar and Vichitra
Veena Year 1993
● Many International and National Newspaper magazine cover
her Story and Interviews.
● Judge in Talent Hunt Mumbai and many other competitions
News Papers appreciations:
● Navbharat
● Danikbhaskar
● Hindustan Times
● Mint
● India Today
● Times of India
● Chandigarh Times
● HT CITY
● The Indian Express
● Hindu
● Danik Madhurima
● Gavkari Kshitij
● Swadesh
● Swadesh Surabhi
● Tarun Bharat
● Amar Ujala
● Chandigarh News
● The Day
● Lokmat
● Sakal
● SatyaKatha – Ilahbad
● Mumbai Mirror
● Times Pune
● Gujrat Samachar
● Navrashtra
● Loksatta
● Nayi Duniya
● Danik Tribune
● Maharashtra Times
● ON Stage NCPA Magazine
● Jaipur Bhaskar
● First Post
● News Band
● Punjab Kesari
● The Crest Editorial Special Edition The Cover Story- On the
Road Not Taken – Radhika Veenasadhika
● Amar ujala Haridwar
● Rajasthan Punjab Kesari
● DNA India
● Time Out Mumbai
● Vivek Magazine
● Naand Gaun Times
● DNA Navi Mumbai
● Timeout Mumbai Magazine
● Mahka Bharat Jaipur
● Times Group – Tweaking the Veena
● HT Jaipur Live
● Dainik Jagaran
● Raipur Bhumi
● The Indian Nation
● Rajaya ki Nayi Duniya
● Gujrat Bhaskar
● The Mag
● Sputnik National Weekely
● Danik Bhaskar Sahitya Sanskruti
● Madhurima
● Gwalior Patrika
● Gaunkari
● Hindustan Varanasi
● Dainik Navjyoti
● CONFLUENCE – UK news
● The City Life style
● Raaj Express
● Bangla News
● Ravivar Sakal
● Tribune
● Ht Sunday
● Kalaranjan
● NBT
● Sahara Samay
● Aaj
● Kala Dalan
● Chandigarah Bharat
● Rajasthan Patrika
● Deshdoot
● Jansatta
● Aacharan
● Business standard
● Economic times
● Zee Business
● Scroll
● ANI NEWS
● NDTV
● Outlook India
● ABP News
● Arab News
● The New Indian Express
● Aaj Tak
● Arunachal Times
● PIB
● MID Day
● News 18
● The Hindu
Concerts:
● Performed in G20 in front of the 20 world leaders along
with our own Honorable Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi Ji and President Smt Draupadi Murmu,UK President Rishi Sunak, Bangala desh Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other world Leader in 2023 in Delhi.
● Vichitra Veena Vadan in concert organised by MP Culture department 2023 , In Indore In G20 .
● Vichitra Veena Recital curated by Mihir Thakore , 2022
● Vichitra Veena Vadan in Antarang By Sangeet Natak Akademi , 2021
● Tansen sangeet Samaroh, Vichitra Veena Vadan Gwalior 2021
● Dharohar 2020 organised By Veena Venu Art Foundation Vichitra Veena Vadan
● Durlabh Vadya Samaroh organised by Veena Venu Art Foundation in Year 2020
● Ek Sham Corona Se Door Organised by Veena Venu Art
foundation and Navbharat News Vichitra Veena Vadan in Year 2020
● Mriduang Sangeet Samaroh Vichitra Veena Vadan in Year 2019
● Swar Samvaad Seminar Vichitra Veena Vadan 2019
● Pt.Vidur Malik Sangeet samaroh, Dehradun 2019
● Music Therapy Seminar During COVID , NRB NEWS 24 2020
● Swaravali Aarohi Sageetotsava Vichitra Veena Vadan 2014
● Ambabai Sangeet samaroh , Vichitra Veena Vadan Miraj 2019
● 50th Pt.Bala Bhau Umdekar Sangeet Samaroh Vichitra Veena Vadan 2019
● Jai-Veena Jaipuriar school Trsut and Veena Venu Vichitra Veena Vadan 2019
● Sumanjali Sangeet Samaroh Vichitra Veena Vadan 2019
● Sangeetanjali International Women’s day Festival Vichitra Veena Vadan
● Veena Samaroh, Vichitra Veena Vadan Bhopal
● Akhil Bhartiy Dhrupad Nad ninad Sangeet samaroh
● Saz e Bahar By NCPA 2019
● Inner Harmony workshop 2019
● Sur Saaj Aur Aawaj organized by AIR Jammu 2017
● Veena Utsav Vichitra Veena Vadan Year 2018
● Akhil Bhartiy Dhruvpad Nad Ninad Samaroh Organised By sangeet Natak Akademi Vichitra Veena Vadan In Year 2018
● Swar Samvad 2018
● Mriduveena sangeet samaroh 2016
● Dhrupad Nad Ninad Sangeet samaroh organized by Sangeet Natak Academy Jaipur
● Dhrupad Sangeet samaroh organized by Jawahar Kala Kendra
● Pt.Balabhau umdekar Smruti sangeet Samaroh, Gwalior 2019
● Sadanand Jadhav sangeet samaroh, Solapur
● Music Mojo Kappa TV Vichitra Veena Vadan and fusion 2017
● Pt. Balabhau Umdekar Smruti Sangeet Samaroh, Pune 2017
● Dhruvpad Mahatosav By Sangeet Natak Akademi Wardha Vichitra Veena Vadan In Year 2016
● Veena Samaroh Organised Anhad Bharat Bhawan Bhopal Vichitra Veena Vadan In Year 2016
● Dharohar 2014
● Mahakal Sangeet Samaroh organized by Ministry of Culture 2013
● 32 Saptak Annual Sangeet Samaroh, Vichitra Veena Vadan Ahemdabad In Year 2012
● Umang Sangeet festival organized by National center of performing arts Vichitra Veena Vadan
● Dhrupad Samaroh, Jaipur orgnised By Jawahar Kala Kendra Vichitra Veena Vadan 2013
● Suburban Music Circle Vichitra Veena Vadan in Year 2012 Mumbai
● Dhruvpad Parv organised by Doordarshan Bhopal Vichitra Veena Vadan in Year 2012
● Chakradhar sangeet samaroh, Malwa utsav Vichitra Veena Vadan 2012
● Kumar Gandharva Sangeet samaroh 2012
● Sangeet Samarat Ustad Alladiya Khan Sangeet Samaroh 2011
● Kal Ke Kalakar Swaran Jayanti Mhotsav Vichitra Veena Vadan in Year 2011
● Vichitra Veena Vadan in National Centre for Performing Arts In Year 2013
● Ethno 2011
● Dhrupad Samaroh Patna 2010 Vichitra Veena Vadan
● Dhrupad Virasat Samaroh, Vichitra Veena Vadan Jaipur
● Vichitra Veena Vadan Dhrupad Samaroh Patna organised by North Central Cultural Zone In Year 2010
● Recorded Vichitra Veena Vadan for Ava studio – Aneesh Pradhan and Shubha Mudgal – Now is Project -2009
● Nanasaheb Panse smruti Sangeet Samaroh Vichitra Veena Vadan in Year 2008
● Dhrupad Mela
● Swayamsiddha organized by ministry of culture and Bharat Bhavan Vichitra Veena Vadan In Year 2008
● Sangeetanjali Vichitra Veena Vadan 2008
● Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan
● Mahila shatriya Sangeet Samaroh Mandavi – 2007
● Veena Samaroh Vichitra Veena Vadan Year 2006
● Prathama Sangeet samaroh Orgnised by Indira Gandhi
Rashtriy Kala Sangrahalay and Madhukali in Year 2006 Performance for being First Lady Vichitra Veena Player
● Madhya Pradesh Swarn Jayanti Samaroh orgnised by Madhya
Pradesh Shasan Sanskruti Sanchalnay Vichitra Veena Vadan in Year 2006
● Sangeet Pratibha Festival Vichitra Veena Vadan – 2006
● Mahila shatriya Sangeet Samaroh Vichitra Veena Vadan Mandavi – 2005
● Sadhna Mahatosav South Central Zone cultural Center –Vichitra Veena Vadan 2005
● Sangeet Sankalp 2004
● Akhil Bhartiya Dhrupad Mela 2004
● Baba Behram Khan Dagar 17th Dhruvpad Samaroh Vichitra Veena Vadan Year 2004
● Vichitra Veena Vadan in Sangeet Sankalp Year 2004
● Swarn Sangeet Pratibha Utsav By Sangeet Natak Akademi Vichitra Veena Vadan In Year 2004
● Aacharya Chandreshwar Pant Jayanti Sangeet Samaroh Vichitra Veena VadanIN Year 2004 Haldwani
● Vichitra Veena Vadan in Karnataka Sangh 2003
● Dhrupad Mela by Dhrupad Samiti Varanasi in Year 2003
● Dhruvpad Virasat Samaroh by Rasmanjari Santoupasana kendra and Dhruvpad dhan IN Year 2003
● Basant Panchami Utsav Vichitra Veena Vadan Scindia Kanya Vidyalay 2002
● Chandigarh Sangeet samaroh by Indian Theatre Vichitra Veena Vadan 2002
● Haridas Sangeet Sammelan, Vichitra Veena Vadan Mumbai Year 2002
● Kal Ke Kalakar Sangeet Sammelen-Vichitra Veena Vadan Year 2002
● Madhuvani by Madhuvan trust Vichitra Veena Vadan Year 2002
● Vichitra Veena Vadan in Sathye College Mumbai Year 2002
● Pratibha Utsav Organised by North Central Zone -Vichitra Veena Vadan 2002
● Shani Jayanti Samaroh Mandir, Indore Year 2001
● Veenavinodini, Jaipur
● Kirti Kala Mandir, Nashik
● Deshpande Auditorium Nagpur
● Swarna Pratibha organized by Sangeet Natak Academy
● Uttaradhikar at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal
● Sangita Kathale smruti Sabha 2000
● Suburban Music circles
● Sadhna Mahotsav organized by South central Zone Cultural center Vichitra Veena Vadan 2003
● Sangeetanjali – Vichitra Veena Vadan 2002
● Naad Sadhan Concert Vichitra Veena Vadan IN Year 2002
● Vichitra Veena Vadan In Whole day Classical Music Program organised by Prerona institute of culture In Year 2001
● Sangeetanjali – Vichitra Veena Vadan 2000
● Vichitra Veena Vadan in Art Indus organised By ITM in Year 2000
● Durlabh Vady Vinod Sangeet Samaroh Vichitra Veena 2002
● Natraj Gopi Krishna Jayanti Mahotsav Vichitra Veena Vadan 1997
● Jalsa Purulia Vichitra Veena Vadan In Year 1996
● Uttradhikar Sangeet Samaroh by Allauddin khan Sangeet Academy – Vichitra Veena Vadan 1998
● Tansen Sangeet Samaroh , Gwalior Vichitra Veena Vadan 1998
● All India Radio Music Concert Varanasi Vichitra Veena Vadan 1997
World’s First Lady Vichitra Veena Player · Founder–Director, Veena Venu Art Foundation
Founder–Director, International Vichitra Veena Council – first-of-its-kind council dedicated to the
Vichitra Veena, Indian veenas and Indian string instruments
Author · Pedagogue · Researcher
PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY AND PRIMARY FOCUS
Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika is the world’s first lady Vichitra Veena player, a pedagogue, and the
founder–director of Veena Venu Art Foundation. Her work spans performance, education, pedagogy
design, instrument innovation and long-term cultural preservation, with a consistent focus on both
the Vichitra Veena and Indian classical music as a whole. She has worked systematically to build an
ecosystem around the Vichitra Veena and allied traditions—students, curriculum, books and learning
materials, structured examinations, public-awareness projects, archives, merchandise and
institutional platforms—so that the instrument and the music connected to it remain accessible,
rigorous and alive for future generations in India and abroad.
Her practice is rooted in the Gwalior music tradition and in the legacy of her family. She is the
granddaughter of court musician, thinker and musicologist Pt. Balabhau Umdekar “Kundalguru”, and
has trained under her father and guru, Pt. Shriram Umdekar, an established Sitar and Rudra Veena
artist. This lineage is reflected not only in her performances but also in the way she designs curricula,
formalises examinations, and sets up councils and foundations. She is also a disciple of Pandit
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. A central part of her professional identity is to ensure that the knowledge,
discipline and subtlety of Indian classical music—and specifically the veena tradition—are
transmitted through clear structures that can continue beyond any one individual.
INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP – VEENA VENU ART FOUNDATION
Veena Venu Art Foundation (VVAF) is the main institutional platform created and led by Dr. Radhika.
As Founder–Director, she is responsible for its vision, programme design and day-to-day artistic
direction. The Foundation operates from Mumbai–Navi Mumbai–Pune and focuses on rare Indian
veenas and Indian classical music education with a clear, structured approach rather than informal
or ad-hoc activities.
The Foundation’s work can be summarised in three broad directions. First, education and training:
continuous classes in Vichitra Veena and related disciplines, structured examinations through a
dedicated certification council, and teacher-development pathways. Second, research,
documentation and innovation: work on instrument design (such as the compact Vichitra Veena),
archiving sound and written material, and exploring sound, cognition and therapy. Third, public
outreach and culture-building: concerts, International Vichitra Veena Day / Week, school and
college programmes, media features, digital campaigns and veena-focused merchandise.
Under VVAF, she has also conceptualised a set of specialised verticals or “ventures” (e.g., a sound,
cognition & AI lab; Naad–Swar Chikitsa™ clinic; publication wing; archives; pedagogy innovation
studio; instrument and accessories line; media and films platform). Each of these is connected back
to the core mission: to keep the veena tradition alive, rigorous and socially relevant, not just
nostalgic.
INTERNATIONAL VICHITRA VEENA COUNCIL – VISION, MISSION AND APPROACH- First-ever
international council-for Vichitra Veena,Veenas and string instruments of India
The International Vichitra Veena Council, founded and directed by Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika, the
first-ever international council dedicated to Vichitra Veena, Indian veenas and Indian string
instruments. It functions as a working forum that coordinates concrete activity rather than
remaining a symbolic body: designing age-wise outreach plans (from early sound exposure for young
children to structured learning routes for youth), supporting a small but serious pipeline of long-
term Vichitra Veena students and fellows, creating and standardising learning and reference
material, and encouraging documentation and research on veena traditions. The council also
engages with schools, colleges, cultural organisations and government-linked bodies to secure
regular platforms for these instruments—through lecture-demonstrations, discussion circles and
curated sessions—so that more listeners can see, name and hear the Vichitra Veena,related veenas
and Indian instruments in real settings. In this way, the council gives an organised structure to
promotion, study, teaching and listening culture around Indian veenas & instruments, with the
specific aim that these instruments gradually move from rare stage appearances into homes,
institutions and everyday musical life.
INSTRUMENT INNOVATION – COMPACT VICHITRA VEENA
Together with her father and guru, Pt. Shriram Umdekar, Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika has co-
developed a compact form of the Vichitra Veena. The conceptual push for a smaller, more practical
instrument came from her experience as a performer and teacher—seeing that many interested
learners were hesitant because the traditional instrument was large, heavy, difficult to transport,
and demanding to maintain. Pt. Umdekar translated Dr.Radhika’s design thinking into concrete
craftsmanship: reworking dimensions, proportions and construction details while retaining the
essential fretless layout, meend possibilities and sympathetic string design.
This innovation did more than reduce size. The redesigned instrument produced a richer, more
present sound, especially in the mandra register, with a deep, grave tone that aligns with what is
considered the core character of the veena. The combination of improved tonal response and
practical ergonomics made it far easier for students to adopt the instrument as a serious main study:
carrying it to class and concerts became manageable, basic handling felt less intimidating, and
teachers could realistically recommend it to new learners. As a result, a significantly larger number
of students have chosen to study Vichitra Veena with her in recent years, and the instrument has
moved closer to her original intention for the innovation: that more people should be able to learn
it, accept it and keep it alive in regular musical life.
PEDAGOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND STUDENT REACH
A core part of Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika’s work is the creation of a stable training architecture
around the Vichitra Veena. Over the years, more than 500 individuals have undertaken structured
Vichitra Veena training under her through Veena Venu Art Foundation—ranging from foundational
courses to multi-year, advanced study. In addition to this, several hundred more learners have
studied Indian classical music with her in other streams (vocal work, allied instruments and music-
theory fundamentals). These figures indicate the scale at which her teaching framework has been
applied and tested, rather than implying that all learners are active performers at the same time.
Her approach treats Vichitra Veena, other Indian instruments and voice-work as parts of a single
musical and cultural field. Training is designed as a balance between guru–shishya discipline (slow,
detailed correction; demonstration-led transmission; sustained riyaaz) and modern clarity (defined
levels, written and audio tasks, explicit learning outcomes).
Beyond direct instruction, Dr. Radhika’s pedagogical contribution includes designing course
structures, internal standards and assessment formats, and creating supporting material.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND AWARENESS – CONNECTING GENERAL AUDIENCES
To connect non-musician audiences with the Vichitra Veena and Indian classical music, Dr. Radhika
Veenasadhika has worked in a planned way across multiple formats aimed specifically at the general
public. She has designed and run theme-based programmes and short camps on Vichitra Veena and
Indian music, conducted lecture-demonstrations in public venues, curated focused listening
sessions, and used concerts as structured introductions rather than only as artist-centric events. In
parallel, she has created accessible material—First of its kind – comics, simple books, story-based
publications, basic guides, workbooks, colouring books and games—so that families, children and
adults with no prior musical background can still understand what the instrument is, how it sounds
and why it matters. International Vichitra Veena day & week is also initiative of Veena Venu Art
foundation, Veena Yug Anant project, along with interviews, digital content and veena-based
merchandise, have extended this work into broadcast and online spaces. Through this combined
effort of public programmes, printed materials, digital initiatives and everyday visual presence, she
has helped more than 2.21 million people encounter the Vichitra Veena and Indian string
instruments as a recognisable part of their own cultural environment.
AUTHORSHIP – VEENA AND VICHITRA VEENA LITERATURE
As an author, Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika has created a set of books that together form a distinct
body of literature around the veena and the Vichitra Veena. Two of these works are, in themselves,
firsts in world literature in their specific focus and treatment. “वीणा: एक ब्रह्माण्डीय यन्त्र–मन्त्र और तन्त्र”
(Veena: Ek Brahmaandīya Yantra–Mantra aur Tantra) is a full-length book that presents the veena
as a cosmic yantra, bringing together sound, vibration, śruti, practice-discipline and symbolic
geometry in one continuous framework for serious readers, students and researchers. “विचित्र वीणा
चित्र माला – विचित्र वीणा: देवीत्व का स्वरप्रतिरुप ” (Vichitra Veena Chitra Mala) is the first iconographic
work of its kind in which different देवी-स्वरूप are shown holding the Vichitra Veena, giving families
and children a clear visual and textual way to see the instrument as part of their own cultural and
devotional space.
Alongside these conceptual and visual works, she has written books that support practitioners and
early learners. “Vichitra Veena: Sur, Saaz aur Sādhak” documents the instrument, its structure,
tuning and key practitioners in a concise, usable format, while “A Vichitra Guide to Vichitra Veena”
introduces history, construction, handling and evolution of the instrument for new learners and
interested readers. For children, “बाल गणेश की मस्ती और वीणा के सुर (Baal Ganesh ki Masti aur Veena
ke Sur)” uses narrative to place the veena naturally in a child’s world.
She has also created the first Vichitra Veena–based colouring and art books of their kind: “Vichitra
Veena & Friends – My Creative Art Book” and “Strings of the Divine – Vichitra Veena Sketch and
Colouring Book”, designed so that children and non-musicians can draw and colour the instrument
and its companions as a gentle form of first contact. For structured early theory and practice she has
developed the “Musical Batata” workbook for Indian music, and textbook-format materials such as
“Veenapani” and “Aarohini”, which organise basic concepts, exercises and listening tasks into clear
lesson sequences. She has also written many other comics , story books on Indian classical music.
Taken together, these works show authorship that is directly tied to her larger aim: to make the
veena and especially the Vichitra Veena understandable, visible and workable for readers ranging
from serious practitioners to first-time, non-musician audiences.
SOCIAL CONNECT AND EVERYDAY VISIBILITY
As part of Veena Venu Art Foundation’s outreach, Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika has treated visual
design as a tool to reconnect everyday life with the Vichitra Veena. Instead of limiting the
instrument to stages and textbooks, she has conceptualised and overseen a full range of veena-
centric objects—postcards, bookmarks, badges, stickers, notebooks, posters, T-shirts based on
vichitra veena, gattā (slide) desk pieces, pouches for gattā and mizrab, mugs and paintings, small
veena miniatures. Each item is designed around a simple idea: a person may never become a
Vichitra Veena player, but they can still “live with” the instrument in small, daily ways.
These pieces are used as conversation-starters at events, gifts for listeners and collaborators, take-
aways during International Vichitra Veena Day / Week and Veena Yug Anant activities, and as quiet
markers on desks, bags and bookshelves. The focus is on creating social presence for a rare
instrument. When someone repeatedly sees the veena on a bookmark, a badge or a mug, the name
and form cease to be abstract. Over time, this has helped build a basic level of recognition for the
Vichitra Veena among people who may never attend a formal concert but can still identify the
instrument and associate it with Indian music and culture.
PERFORMANCE PROFILE (SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS SUMMARY)
Over the years, Dr. Radhika has presented the Vichitra Veena at a wide range of platforms:
International and national festivals, thematic seminars, music conferences, digital concerts and
international tours. Performances at events such as the G20 Summit (2023) major classical music
sammelans, and numerous curated concerts across India have contributed to placing the Vichitra
Veena in serious, high-visibility contexts.
In addition to solo concerts, she has mentored ensembles, guided young accompanists in working
with veena timbre, and presented lecture-demonstrations that combine performance with
explanation. Her performance work is therefore not only about individual artistry; it also acts as a
demonstration model for students, organisers and sound engineers on how the Vichitra Veena can
be programmed, amplified and curated in contemporary settings. She is high grade artist of AIR and Doordarshan
