Diwali Pahaat 2024

Dr. Radhika Joshi is an accomplished artist in the field of Hindustani classical music, hailing from the prestigious Jaipur Atrauli Gharana. Under the guidance of Pt. Raghunandan Panshikar, a disciple of the legendary Gaansaraswati Kishori Amonkar, Radhika has diligently honed her vocal prowess. Her musical journey also led her to explore semi-classical forms such as Thurmi, Kajri, Hori, and Dadra, under the esteemed Padmabhushan Smt. Girija Devi at the Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata. In recent years, Radhika has graced numerous prestigious music festivals both in India and abroad, including notable venues such as Ustad Abdul Karim Khan Smriti Samiti, Deval Club, and the Dadar Matunga Cultural Center. Her melodious voice has resonated at Sangit Kala Mandir, Gayan Sabha, Sangeet Sankalp – Saptak, Pt. Bundi Maharaj Charitable Society, and several more.

Radhika’s dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed, as she is a recipient of the National Scholarship for Performing Arts from the Government of India and holds a coveted position as a graded artist of All-India Radio. Notably, as part of the G20 celebrations, All India Radio invited her to perform a special concert of semi-classical music at Akashwani and Doordarshan. Her musical excellence extends to accolades, including the first prize in Jod-Raga Spardha by Sangeet Bhooshan Pt. Ram Marathe Foundation and victory in the all-India contest, Naman Sajan Piya, organized by the Shankar Mahadevan Academy. Beyond the classical genre, Radhika has also been recognized for her prowess in light music, winning first prizes for her Marathi Abhang rendition in the album “Vaikunthanayaka” and at the state-level sugam sangeet competition. Radhika is not only a performer but also a passionate educator and advocate for preserving the rich tradition of Hindustani music.

During her time in the United States, she conducted enlightening lecture demonstrations on Indian classical music at ethnomusicology departments in universities and museums. She also shared her expertise as a vocal music instructor at MIT and Harvard University, Boston. Her commitment to introducing the basics of Indian classical music to children resulted in her authorship of the book “Phulwari Geeton Ki,” now adopted as a music curriculum in several Pune schools. Furthermore, Radhika is the visionary founder of Jaipur Gunijankhana, an archive in Pune dedicated to the documentation and preservation of Hindustani music, with a particular focus on the Jaipur Atrauli Gharana. Her dedication to this mission earned her the Museum and Research Fellowship from the India Foundation for the Arts in Bangalore. In addition to her musical achievements, Radhika holds a master’s in economics from Tufts University, Boston, and a PhD in Economics from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. Her decision to pursue a full-time career in music demonstrates her unwavering commitment to her art and its profound cultural significance.

Abhishek Kale started learning Indian Classical Music at an early age of five years from his mother Smt. Swati Kale (Prime Disciple of Padmavibhushan Vidushi Gangubai Hangal Ji). He also received training under renowned Kirana Gharana Vocalist Pandit Jayteerth Mevundi Ji for eight years. Presently, he is seeking training under the able guidance of Pandit Sharad Bapat Ji from Sangli. Academically Abhishek is B.A. (History) from Mumbai University. In early age, Abhishek got opportunity to sing alongside renowned santoor player Pt.Shivkumar Sharma Ji in programme ‘Music Cafe’ conducted by Doordharshan.

He stood first in AIR India competition conducted by All India Radio (Akashwani). Abhishek was also felicitated with Gangubai Hangal foundation, Hubali (Karnataka). He played a vital role in film ‘The Disciple’ ( a movie based on Indian Classical Music ) which won so many awards on International Level and played a role in Sangeet Natak ‘Mandarmala’, ‘Bilaskhani Todi’, ‘Sanshay Kallol’ etc. As a composer, Abhishek has composed India’s first Sanskrit Jingles album for kids which is being telecasted on DD India TV Channel. He was felicitated with the National Award by Hon. Modi Ji. He has performed at Sawai Gandharv Sangeet Mahotsav Kundgol; Hamsadhwani Lukhnow; Padmashree Vasant Desai Indian Classical Music Festival Kudal; Gangubai Hangal Foundation Music Festival Hubali, Diwali Pahat National Library Bandra; Meditation Centre Singapore, Karnataka Gayan Sabha Mysore Swarteerth Sangeet Samaroh, Pune.

He has won awards like Balgandharva Yuva Puraskar, Kumar Gandharva Puraskar by Saraswati Vachanalay Belgaum, Govind Ballal Deval Puraskar by Akhil Bhartiy Marathi Natya Parisha, Akashwani Abhang Puraskar, Jaywant Kulkarni Puraskar, Sangeet Bhaskar National Award by Maharashtra Journalist Foundation, Silver medal by Govt. of Maharashtra in 57th State Sangeet Natya Competition for his role in ‘Sangeet Katha hi Bilsaskhani Todichi’ in the year 2018 and for ‘Mandarmala’ in 2019.