About Veena Tattva Prakashika
"The Illumination of Essential Principles"
Veena Tattva Prakashika stands as the world's premier international conference dedicated exclusively to the comprehensive study of the veena— exploring its spiritual foundations, scientific dimensions, performance traditions, and cultural significance. Since its divine inception in 2014, VTP has pioneered a unique approach: bridging the devotional practices of ancient masters with contemporary research methodologies.
A Sacred Mission
In 2014, through what can only be described as divine intervention, Veena Tattva Prakashika emerged from a recognition that the veena— despite its exalted position as the foremost melodic instrument in Carnatic tradition—required a dedicated forum addressing its multidimensional significance.
The veena is not merely an instrument; it is a yantra through which practitioners engage with Nada Brahma—the cosmic principle of sound as the fundamental creative energy of the universe. Within Hindu philosophy, the practice of nada constitutes a pathway to moksha, elevating musical practice from aesthetic endeavor to soteriological discipline.
Veena Tattva Prakashika was conceived to honor this understanding while addressing a contemporary reality: that the depth of veena tradition was at risk of being reduced to performance alone, divorced from its spiritual moorings, scientific complexity, and cultural context.
The conference serves multiple constituencies simultaneously: scholars seeking rigorous research platforms, practitioners pursuing technical and artistic refinement, students discovering the tradition's depth, and rasika audiences experiencing the veena's transformative power. This multiplicity of purpose distinguishes VTP from conventional music festivals or academic symposia.
Most fundamentally, VTP aspires to ensure that the veena's rich legacy is not only preserved but expanded—creating new knowledge, fostering community, and inspiring future generations to engage with this divine instrument in all its dimensions.
A Conference Unlike Any Other
Research-Driven Inquiry
VTP has produced landmark interdisciplinary studies that exist nowhere else in musicological literature. From CT scan comparisons of the veena fretboard with the human vertebral column to EEG studies mapping the instrument's neurological effects.
Holistic Exploration
Each edition addresses four interconnected dimensions:
- • Adhyatmika: Spiritual & Vedic
- • Vichara: Intellectual & Historical
- • Praatyakshika: Practical & Technical
- • Madhyama: Contemporary & Media
Accessibility & Community
From its inception, VTP has remained absolutely free for all participants. This principle reflects the conviction that access to veena wisdom should never be contingent upon financial capacity.
By welcoming everyone from accomplished maestros to curious beginners, VTP embodies the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam— the world as one family.
How VTP Works
Dedications
Every session honors veena legends—from Veene Sheshanna and Veene Subbanna to Dr. S Balachander. These dedications maintain living connection with the lineage.
Thematic Coherence
Recent editions adopt overarching themes like "Experience Bliss Through Veena Nada Yoga" or "Exploring Veena's Science" to provide conceptual unity.
Balanced Programming
Morning sessions tend toward meditative performances, afternoons toward scholarly inquiry, evenings toward celebration.
Generational Continuity
Featuring guru-shishya pairs and student showcases, emphasizing that tradition lives not in preservation but in transmission.
Award Recognition
Instituting prestigious awards like the "Sri Padma Vainika" series and the Vidushi Jayalakshmi Hegde Memorial Award.
Divine Presence
Each edition begins and concludes with the Sanidhya (gracious presence) of spiritual leaders, serving something greater than individual achievement.
Creating Lasting Change
Knowledge Creation
Research on diabetes management, ergonomics, and gamaka math.
Inspiration for Youth
Demonstrating that veena study can integrate scientific curiosity with artistic dedication.
Community Building
An international network of practitioners, scholars, and enthusiasts.
Institutional Partnerships
Collaboration with PES University, MES Kalavedi, and others.
Cultural Preservation
Documenting rare ragas, traditional techniques, and historical knowledge.
Global Reach
Extending beyond physical attendance through live streaming and digital documentation.