किमत्र बहुनोक्तेन शास्त्रकोटि शतेन च ।
दुर्लभा चित्त विश्रान्तिः विना गुरुकृपां परम्।।
Veena Venu Art Foundation: A Legacy of Music Promotion, Preservation, and Excellence
Rooted Legacy
Rooted in the profound legacy of 124 years of Late Pt. Balabhau Umdekar Kundalguru —court musician, scholar, visionary, and an unmatched master of Indian classical music. Veena Venu Art Foundation carries forward his spiritual and musical lineage with devotion and purpose.
Our Commitment
Veena Venu Art Foundation is founded upon the profound belief that the diverse and exquisite arts of India are intrinsically interwoven with its rich tapestry of Aadhyatam (Spirituality) and deep philosophical traditions. We recognize these artistic expressions not merely as forms of entertainment, but as vital conduits to life’s most sacred and spiritually enriching dimensions.
Our unwavering commitment lies in the advancement and enduring preservation of India’s timeless classical music heritage, alongside the broader spectrum of Indian music arts and Bharatiya Kala. We firmly hold that our Culture, our revered Scriptures, our cherished Traditions, and our diverse Arts represent a vast and profound body of knowledge – a wisdom that is complete and self-contained.
Therefore, our overarching objective extends beyond mere preservation and promotion. We are dedicated to enriching life itself by infusing it with the essence of Bharatiya Sanskar (Indian Values), the depth of our Sanskriti (Culture), Bharatiya Arts, and the profound wisdom of Aadhyatam (Spirituality). Through our initiatives, programs, and events, we aspire to inspire both practitioners and audiences alike, fostering a deep appreciation for this holistic heritage and ensuring its vibrant continuity for generations to come.
Under the Visionary Leadership of Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika
The foundation is spearheaded by Dr. Radhika Veenasadhika, the world’s first lady Vichitra Veena player—a performing academician, writer, researcher, healer, and entrepreneur. Her tireless devotion to Indian music and culture anchors the foundation’s work. With deep reverence and responsibility, we champion the cause of safeguarding and promoting India’s classical music, indigenous instruments, artistic traditions, and the cultural fabric of the nation.
Uplifting Indian Classical Music
Veena Venu Art Foundation curates and organizes a wide spectrum of initiatives, musical programs—concerts, baithaks, and events that present both the brilliance of renowned maestros and the promise of emerging talent. These platforms are not only artistic showcases but also powerful vehicles for sustaining and transmitting India’s vibrant musical heritage to future generations.
Publishing and Documentation As Custodians of Musical Knowledge
We proudly serve as dedicated publishers of specialized musical literature, encompassing a diverse range of thoughtfully curated works. This includes engaging storybooks designed to introduce young minds to the world of Indian classical music, comprehensive academic music books tailored for children, and our meticulously crafted magazines. These publications artfully illuminate the complex structures of raags, intricate compositions, and nuanced classical techniques, rendering them accessible and engaging for students, discerning scholars, and passionate connoisseurs alike.
Notably, our publishing endeavors mark a significant milestone, featuring a unique collection of storybooks on Indian classical music, along with innovative comics and workbooks – a pioneering initiative spearheaded by Dr. Radhika. We are also proud to feature books authored by Dr. Radhika herself within our catalog.
Underpinning our publishing activities is a rigorous commitment to research and meticulous documentation, through which we diligently archive and preserve the invaluable intellectual wealth inherent in Indian classical music. Our extensive musical library stands as a testament to this dedication, housing thousands of books on various subjects in both traditional printed formats and easily accessible digital versions, complemented by a rich and expansive audio-visual archive. Furthermore, we proudly publish Shree Veene, our annual chronicle, which serves as a vibrant record of the year’s musical insights and achievements.
These invaluable resources form a cornerstone of our unwavering commitment to effectively disseminate musical wisdom, foster a deeper understanding of this rich art form, and ensure its enduring continuity for generations yet to come.
Veena Venu Legacy Gurukul
The educational wing of our foundation, Veena Venu Legacy Gurukul, is dedicated to imparting holistic learning in music, arts, culture, and spiritual wisdom. With a comprehensive curriculum designed for learners of all ages, we foster disciplined training under the guidance of experienced faculty. The pedagogy emphasizes both theoretical depth and practical excellence. Students engage deeply with the intricate Raag system, explore the hidden treasures of ancient musical traditions, and cultivate a meaningful relationship with India’s sacred art forms.
Veena Venu Awards
Veena Venu Art Foundation is on a steadfast mission to preserve and promote the rich tapestry of Indian classical music and culture. Our aim is to recognize and nurture extraordinary talents from diverse backgrounds, transcending all boundaries. As an integral part of this mission, we proudly present the esteemed Veena Venu Ratna and Veena Venu Durlabh Mani Awards & Veena Venu Lok Samman dedicated to celebrating excellence in this timeless art form. Our dedication highlights the importance of acknowledging and honouring artists, upholding their esteemed status as cultural treasures in independent Bharat.
The esteemed Rajadhiraj Veena Venu Samman is conferred upon the most distinguished artists in India, recognizing their unparalleled excellence and contribution to the Indian classical music and arts.
Our Vision
To cultivate a dynamic and welcoming global community where the sublime beauty of Indian music, art, and culture resonates deeply within hearts, uplifts the human spirit, and fosters a shared sense of awareness and interconnectedness. We aspire to a world where music acts as a powerful catalyst for unity and healing, enriching cultural understanding and diligently safeguarding India’s profound and timeless heritage. Our ultimate aim is to be a guiding light, ensuring the enduring vitality of India’s rich artistic and spiritual wisdom for generations to come, inspiring a profound appreciation and understanding across the globe.
Our Holistic Mission:
Rooted in the profound understanding that the diverse and exquisite arts of India are intrinsically interwoven with its rich tapestry of Aadhyatam (Spirituality), deep philosophical traditions, and vibrant culture, the Veena Venu Art Foundation is dedicated to enriching lives by fostering a deep and comprehensive appreciation for this interconnectedness. We recognize these artistic expressions as vital pathways to life’s most sacred and spiritually enriching dimensions.
Our unwavering commitment lies in the holistic advancement and enduring preservation of India’s timeless classical music heritage, alongside the broader spectrum of Indian music arts and Bharatiya Kala. We strive to:
- Championing the Legacy of Veena and Other Indian Instruments: To passionately promote and propagate the rich heritage of the Veena, including the rare, ancient, and sacred Vichitra Veena – considered a manifestation of the divine – alongside other Veena variations and all rare Indian instruments, as well as popular instruments like the Sitar. We have already introduced the Vichitra Veena to hundreds of students and are committed to expanding this outreach. We recognize the profound impact of Veena playing on human well-being, fostering a healthy and beautiful mind, body, and spirit. Furthermore, we believe that Veena Vadan (playing) is a powerful means for spiritual and personal growth, contributing significantly to overall health and inner peace.
- Elevate Vocal and Instrumental Mastery: Significantly elevate the stature of Indian Classical Vocal Music, especially Khyal Gayaki and Dhrupad, and champion the excellence of both popular and rare Indian musical instruments, meticulously nurturing the next generation of masterful performers and dedicated tradition-bearers through comprehensive training programs.
- Awakening Wellness-The Therapeutic Resonance of Indian Music: We deeply believe that Swar (musical notes) possess the essence of Aushadhi (medicine) and hold immense Aushadhiya Kshamta (medicinal potential). Our mission is to raise widespread awareness about the profound transformative potential of Music Therapy and Raag Therapy, grounded in this fundamental belief. We are committed to seamlessly integrating the powerful elements of Indian music, encompassing every instrument and each unique style of vocal expression, as a cornerstone of holistic living, fostering positive impacts on the human mind and overall health, and promoting profound physical, mental, and emotional equilibrium.
- Transforming Generations Through Indian Classical Music, India’s Cultural and Spiritual Wisdom: To profoundly connect the new generation with the transformative power of Indian arts, culture, Sanskriti (Culture), and Sanskar (Values), fostering a deep and intrinsic understanding of India’s heritage. Our overarching mission is to cultivate a generation that is not only knowledgeable and empowered but also deeply spiritual and imbued with strong Indian Sanskar (Values), thereby shaping a future society characterized by wisdom, strength, and profound cultural grounding.
- Empowering and Celebrating Women in the Arts: To actively champion and uplift women musicians by creating dedicated and supportive platforms for their artistic expression, organizing concerts and performances that showcase their talent, facilitating workshops and mentorship programs for their professional development, and establishing strong, inclusive support systems that cater to their unique needs and foster their growth as artists and leaders in the field. Furthermore, we annually bestow the prestigious Durga Samman, acknowledging and celebrating the exceptional contributions of women in music and various other fields. Through our annual Shreeveene Chronicle, we dedicate a special edition to women musicians and accomplished women across diverse sectors, highlighting their achievements and inspiring future generations.
- Cultivate Global Appreciation: Actively cultivate genuine interest and deep appreciation for Indian classical arts, culture, and spirituality among international students and global communities through meaningful cross-cultural engagement initiatives and enriching educational exchange programs.
Ultimately, our overarching objective extends beyond mere preservation and promotion. We are dedicated to enriching life itself by infusing it with the essence of Bharatiya Sanskar (Indian Values), the depth of our Sanskriti (Culture), the richness of Bharatiya Arts, and the profound wisdom of Aadhyatam (Spirituality), inspiring both practitioners and audiences alike and ensuring the vibrant continuity of this holistic heritage for generations to come.
