Return, Resilience, Reverence
VTP IV: The Post-Pandemic Renaissance
After a pandemic-enforced pause that tested the world's resolve, Veena Tattva Prakashika returned in November 2022—not merely as a conference but as a celebration of collective endurance and the healing power of sacred sound. VTP IV represented more than continuity; it embodied transformation.
The choice of theme—"Obeisance at the lotus feet of Goddess Saraswati"—reflected deep gratitude for the preservation of knowledge through unprecedented times. The conference innovated by introducing structured Nada Yoga meditation retreats alongside traditional concert programming, acknowledging that the pandemic had heightened global awareness of music's therapeutic dimensions.
PES University's continued partnership provided state-of-the-art facilities, signaling institutional confidence in VTP's mission. The venue shift to the Banashankari campus expanded accessibility while maintaining acoustic excellence. Kalpavruksha Charitable Trust's increased involvement demonstrated growing recognition of VTP as essential cultural infrastructure.
VTP IV distinguished itself through unprecedented thematic coherence: every concert featured "group kritis"—collections of compositions united by shared themes. From Navagraha Kritis to Navavarna Kritis, from Pancha Bhootha Kshetra to Tiruvattiyur Pancharatna—the programming created systematic exploration of composer intent across three intensive days. Each morning began with guided Veena Nada Yoga meditation, integrating wellness practice with artistic immersion.
At a Glance
- November 4-6, 2022Friday - Sunday
- PES UniversityBanashankari Campus, Bangalore
- Cultural Immersion11 Concerts | 8 Research Talks
- Leadership3 Conference Presidents
Significance
Post-pandemic return; Nada Yoga focus; 75 years of Indian Independence dedication. The concluding Vidwath Sadas addressed existential questions: how to maintain sampradaya sanctity while embracing necessary evolution.
VTP IV Innovations
Nada Yoga Integration
Daily morning meditation sessions (8:00 AM) led by Yoga Instructor Smt Shubha Ramachandra, utilizing Veena Nada Yoga Pranayama techniques in a structured retreat format.
Thematic Group Kritis
Systematic exploration through composer collections including Navagraha, Pancha Bhootha Kshetra, Navavidha Bhakti, and multiple Pancharatna collections. Each concert was prefaced with educational introduction.
Triple Conference Presidency
First VTP with three simultaneous Presidents: Dr. R S Jayalakshmi, Vidushi M K Saraswati, and Vidwan Mudikondan Ramesh, representing different stylistic schools.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
Special dedication to 75 years of Indian Independence featuring a Ghana Raga Pancharatna Kriti Gosti where all participating vainiks involved performed together.
The Group Kritis Concept
Systematic Exploration Through Composer Collections
VTP IV innovated by structuring the entire concert program around "group kritis"—thematically unified composition collections. This approach distinguished VTP IV from typical concert formats while honoring traditional presentation modes, offering multiple benefits:
Pedagogical Value
Each concert explored specific compositional concepts (e.g., Navagraha as astronomical framework, Pancha Bhootha as elemental philosophy). Educational introductions before each concert contextualized the themes, transforming concerts into learning experiences.
Performance Depth
Focused programming allowed performers to demonstrate composer-specific stylistic nuances, thematic coherence across compositions, and sustained exploration of related ragas.
Spiritual Coherence
Group kritis create cumulative devotional impact—each composition building on previous ones toward a collective effect greater than individual parts.
Research Opportunities
Concentrated focus enabled comparative analysis: How did Dikshitar vs. Tyagaraja approach similar themes? How do thematic constraints shape compositional choices?
Healing Through Sacred Sound
VTP IV introduced structured Veena Nada Yoga meditation as daily practice, recognizing music's therapeutic potential—particularly relevant given pandemic-induced collective trauma.
The Practice
Each morning (8:00 AM) began with guided meditation using veena sound as a focal point. Yoga Instructor Smt Shubha Ramachandra led participants through Nada Yoga Pranayama (breath work with sound awareness), using the Veena drone as a meditation anchor.
Theoretical Foundation
The practice aims to use external sound (Ahata Nada, like the Veena) as a bridge to internal sonic phenomena (Anahata Nada), ultimately accessing consciousness itself.
Research Correlation
Dr. Prashanth Srinivasan's EEG study (presented Day 3) provided scientific validation—measurable brain state changes occur during veena listening, particularly increased alpha waves associated with meditative states.
Consolidated Schedule
Day 1: Inauguration & Opening
Friday, November 4, 2022Inauguration Ceremony
Sanidhya: His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Yatiraja Swamigal
- Chief Guests: Shri B C Nagesh (Minister of School Education), Dr. M R Doreswamy
- Guests of Honour: Sri. Dinesh Guruji, Smt. Tejaswini Ananthkumar, Vidwan Anoor Anantakrishna Sharma
- Invocation: Chi. Abhisyanth Shankara
Bakti Yoga Tarangini
Program by Students of Sreerama Centre of Performing Arts
Inaugural Concert: Navagraha Kritis
Composer: Sri Muttuswamy Dikshitar
Veena: Chi Sreerama Prashanth Iyengar
Accompaniment: Vidwan Karthik (Mridanga), Vidwan Uttam (Ghata)
Day 2: Full Day Programming
Saturday, November 5, 2022Veena Nada Yoga Meditation
Yoga Instructor: Smt Shubha Ramachandra
Concert 1: Pancha Bhootha Kshetra Kritis
Dedicated to Karaikudi Sambashiva Iyer
Veena: Vidushi Jayashri Jayaraj & Vidwan Jayaraj (Duo)
Concert 2: Navavidha Bhakti Kritis
Dedicated to Vidwan K S Narayanaswamy
Veena: Vidushi Dr. Padma Varma & Sri. Arun Krishnan (Duo)
Research: Gamaka and its Prayoga in Dikshitar Kritis
Presenters: Vidushi Jayashri Jayaraj & Vidwan Jayaraj
Concert 3: Lalgudi Pancharatnam
Dedicated to Vidwan M J Srinivasa Iyengar
Veena: Vidushi M K Saraswati, Vidushi Rajyashree Josyer, Sou. Aishwarya Manikarnike
Research: Imaging of Upper Limb Muscles in Veena Plucking
Presenter: Dr. Durga Prasad (Radiologist & Vainika)
Concert 4: Navaratnamalika Kritis
Dedicated to Vainika Pitchumani Iyer & Vidwan G. N. Subramanyam
Veena: Vidushi Pappu Padma Ravishankar & Vidwan Dr. Durga Prasad
Research: Study of Gamaka Prayoga in Rakti Ragas
Presenter: Dr R S Jayalakshmi (Conference President)
Research: Scientific Perspective of Navagraha Kritis
Presenter: Dr. Veena Mohan
Concert 5: Vanika Kovur Pancharatnam
Dedicated to Veena Sheshanna & Veena Subbanna
Veena: Dr. R S Jayalakshmi & Disciples
Concert 6: Pachalinga Kritis
Dedicated to Mudikondan Sri Venkatarama Iyer
Veena: Vidwan Mudikondan Ramesh (President) & Disciples
Concert 7: Srirangam Pancharatna Kritis
Dedicated to Vidwan Vasa Krishnamurthy & C Krishnamurthy
Veena: Vidushi Yoga Vandana & Vidushi Kashi Vishalakshi
Day 3: Culmination
Sunday, November 6, 2022Veena Nada Yoga Meditation
Nada Yoga Pranayama Session
Concert 8: Navavarna Group Kritis (Part 1)
Dedicated to Vidwan R S Keshava Murthy & others
Veena: Vidushi Y G Srilatha & Vidushi Rakshita Ramesh
Concert 9: Navavarna Group Kritis (Part 2)
Veena: Vidushi Revathi Sadashivam & Vidushi Dr. Shobana Swaminathan
Research: EEG Study of Brain Response to Veena
Presenter: Dr. Prashanth Srinivasan
Groundbreaking neuroscience study comparing veena with other instruments
Concert 10: Narada Pancharatna
Dedicated to Vainika Vidwan Emani Shankar Shastri
Veena: Vidushi Kaza Subhashini Sastri & Vidushi Emani Lalita Krishna
Research: Mela-Triad: An Exposition
Presenter: Dr. R S Nandakumar
Research: Unique Sound of Veena Analysis
Presenter: Nivedita D
Concert 11: Tiruvattiyur Pancha Ratna Kritis
Dedicated to Veena Venkatagiriyappa
Veena: Vidwan Duddu Seetaramaiah & Vidwan GRS Murthy
Note: Rare female Ghatam artist, Vidushi Sukanya Ramagopal
Evening Culmination
Ghana Raga Pancharatna Kriti Gosti
Special ensemble performance dedicated to 75 Years of Indian Independence by all participating Vainikas.
Vidwath Sadas: Scholarly Panel
Topics: Adherence to Sampradaya vs. Evolution; National Preservation Programs
Panelists encompass all conference presidents and senior artists.
Valedictory & Awards
Conferring "Sri Padma Vainika Vibhushana" to the three Conference Presidents and other honors.
Scientific & Scholarly Highlights
EEG Study of Brain Response to Veena
Dr. Prashanth Srinivasan
Groundbreaking neuroscience using electroencephalography to map brain activity during veena listening. Found distinctive alpha wave patterns associated with meditative states.
Imaging of Upper Limb Muscles
Dr. B K Durga Prasad
Medical imaging study focusing on muscular activation patterns during plucking action. Identifies specific muscle groups for technique development and injury prevention.
Gamaka Prayoga in Rakti Ragas
Dr. R S Jayalakshmi
Analysis of ornamental techniques in ragas characterized by intense emotional content and how gamaka choices enhance rasa.
Honoring Excellence
Dr. R S Jayalakshmi
Sri Padma Vainika Vibhushana
Conference President
Vidushi M K Saraswati
Sri Padma Vainika Vibhushana
Conference President
Vidwan Mudikondan Ramesh
Sri Padma Vainika Vibhushana
Conference President
Lifetime Achievement Award
Prof Mudigonda Veerabhadraiah
For contribution to Literature and Service to Music
Sri Padma Vainika Seva Bhushini
Vidushi Jayalakshmi Hegde
Recognition for music service in remote areas
Partnerships
PES University
Venue Partner
Kalpavruksha Charitable Trust
Powered By
Adamya Chetana
Event Partner
SCOPA
Organizer