14 TH JULY 2018 BENGALURU INDIA The 2nd edition of Guru Kripa awards were hosted by Shankar Mahadevan Academy (SMA) in Bengaluru. These awards were established by SMA in 2017 to recognize immense contributions of Gurus who go unrecognized and those who have strived over the years to create the next generation of talented musicians. The award ceremony unveiled the names of five teachers who were presented with the award. Students of the academy, teachers along with the Founders of the Shankar Mahadevan Academy – Shankar Mahadevan and Sridhar Ranganathan and the Chief Guest, Hariharan were present for the award function. The awards ceremony was a part of the annual function of the academy; “Sangam” held at Taj Vivanta- with a vision of preserving Indian Classical Music- Hindustani Classical and Carnatic Classical music and pass it on to the next generation.
A total of 5 teacher names were unveiled and they are VidushiAlamelu Mani, Vidwan T A S Mani, Vidushi Rama Mani. Late Dr. R. B. Sontakke and Late Dr. Mani Sontakke were also recognized with the award. The award consists of a momento by Shankar Mahadevan Academy and a cash award.
In a short span of eight years, SMA has built a presence with students from 76 countries with nearly 20000 students across online, schools and corporate and affiliate centers. The Academy operates its online classes with live teachers through cutting edge video conferencing technology, in campus classes in nicely design classrooms and in various schools all over India. Online Video Conference classes are conducted 24/7 and has conducted over 95000 such classes till date. In campus classes are available in the Bay Area, California, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune. SMA currently is engaged in teaching its trademarked “Grow With Music” program in more than 50 school location from Noida to Madurai in India.
Shankar Mahadevan speaking at the occasion said, “I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners and everyone who were nominated for the award this year. I strongly believe that music teachers or gurus are uniquely equipped to touch lives through the power of music. This special recognition gives our beloved music community a chance to recognize yeoman efforts of a few of the best. It encourages them to further plant seeds that grow into a lifelong love of music for many and even into careers for some students. At the Shankar Mahadevan Academy, our vision is “to be the Harvard of Music worldwide” and our mission is “Joy of Music”.”
Hariharan, Chief Guest quips, “I have been familiar with the Shankar Mahadevan Academy over the years and now, more than ever, I believe that the Academy’s music curriculum, crafted with modern pedagogy techniques and practices reflects the reality that our age old music is in very good hands. I am delighted without a doubt that our music Will continue to flourish for years to come. I applaud the Academy for recognizing the master Gurus thereby showing its intentions are well entrenched in tradition and respect for teachers. “ ”
