Latest news with #ShibulalFamilyPhilanthropicInitiatives
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sandeep Narayan & Ensemble to perform in Bengaluru this weekend
'I'm bringing Carnatic music to the table but with a different group of instruments,' says Sandeep Narayan. 'We've got a bass guitar with the flute, violin, mirdangam and kanjira — it is a mix of traditional and Western instruments.' The artiste was talking over phone from Los Angeles, about his upcoming concert presented by the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives in Bengaluru, this weekend. 'I am layering different elements to present a concert that will be easily digestible by audiences who may not be aware of the complexities and intricacies of Carnatic music. It is often considered too cerebral or complex, and I hope to rid listeners of that stigma.' Melody makers Though he grew up in the United States, Sandeep had an early initiation into Carnatic music. Not only was his whole family musically inclined, but his mother also gave lessons and his father organised concerts with Carnatic musicians who were touring Southern California He says when he turned 11, his parents decided to send him to India for an in-depth study of this traditional art form 'as I was getting a bit naughty and not taking my musical studies seriously.' Here, he was mentored by KS Krishnamurthy for about three years, and after his passing, continued training under Sanjay Subramanian, one of his disciples. After close to 12 years of regular classes, Sandeep says he began exploring this genre on his own. 'Until about four or five years ago, I considered myself a purist and was deeply entrenched in my Carnatic learning; my concerts followed a traditional format with the violin, ghatam and kanjira.' 'However, I noticed that wherever we had a tour, the audiences largely comprised South Indians. Not many people knew what Carnatic music was,' he says, adding that their only reference to Indian music seemed to be Bollywood. 'I wanted to do my part, even if it was small, to put Carnatic music on the world map. That is when I began thinking about different ways of presenting this wonderful traditional style of ours.' Sandeep says he drew inspiration from a Mahashivratri program at Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore where he performed with different artistes. 'It lit something within me.' Bengaluru offering The more he worked with other artistes, the more convinced he became that Carnatic music was one of the few musical styles in the world that could connect with other genres, says Sandeep. 'I've noticed Carnatic music can make a connection through a ragam, thalam or nadi, whether you are working with hip hop, R&B, rap or jazz, as well as folk and Hindustani artistes. I want to make more of those connections and bring the beauty of Carnatic music to more people.' 'My goal is not to dilute Carnatic music, but to show audiences its wide range.' Talking about his upcoming concert, Sandeep says it took the team almost year to put it together. 'Every time we perform, I want to bring in something new, and since we are coming to Karnataka, I have included more compositions in Kannada.' Some of these include 'Chandrachooda' in ragam Darbaari by Purandaradasa, 'Akka Kelava' — a vachana by Akka Mahadevi and 'En Appan Allava' from Mahashivarathri, among others. Sandeep will be joined by B Ananthakrishnan and Akshay Yesodharan on the electric violin, Sameer Rao on the flute and bass guitarist Akilesh, with SJ Arjun Ganesh on the mridangam and Sunil Kumar on the thavil. According to Sandeep, such events are three-pronged affairs involving the artiste, audience and organisers. 'I hope audiences grow in number because the option of going online and listening to music is quite real. In order to preserve tradition, people must come out and attend concerts. Nothing compares to experiencing the energy, interaction and connection between the artiste and the audiences in real time.' Sangamam was launched in 2022, as part of a year-long series by the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives that aim to preserve India's cultural heritage. Sandeep Narayan & Ensemble and Project Samskriti will perform at St John's Auditorium on July 12, from 5.30pm. Tickets on BookMyShow
Business Standard
02-07-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Shikshagraha Awards 2026: Call for Nominations to Honour Education Leaders
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 2: The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) has announced the launch of the second edition of the Shikshagraha Awards, with nominations officially opening today. Instituted to spotlight leadership in education, the Shikshagraha Awards will honour individuals across India who are building an equitable and inclusive education ecosystem, especially for underserved communities. These prestigious awards are part of the Shikshagraha movement, a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving one million public schools by 2030. Anchored in the belief that leadership lies beyond formal titles, the awards recognise those who tirelessly champion the cause of equitable access to education from within and beyond the classroom. Last year's winners embody this spirit. In Tamil Nadu, Xavier Chandra Kumar, a government school headmaster, revitalised a neglected school by introducing counselling, medical camps, and inclusive practices that bridged caste divides. In Bihar, Ranjan Kumar raised school enrolment by 169% through community partnerships and bold learning initiatives. Rajitha N, a supervisor from Karnataka, improved early childhood education across tribal belts, building trust in areas where public systems struggled. And in Bhopal, 17-year-old Muskan Ahirwar earned a special mention for running a public library that now serves 100+ children daily, an initiative she began at the age of nine. The Shikshagraha Awards are more than recognition; they amplify stories, inspire action, and build a collective movement for education equity. They aim to reflect the diverse leadership driving the education equity movement by encompassing two broad domains: - Leaders within the Formal Education System: Educators, school leaders, government officials, or institutional actors working within established structures, such as schools, education departments, or academic support bodies, who are creating systemic change from within. - Leaders outside the Formal Education System (Community): Grassroots changemakers, including community organisers, parents, volunteers, or local champions, who are working directly in underserved contexts to expand access, inclusion, and quality in education. Awardees will receive a financial prize of INR 10 lakh (disbursed over two years), a trophy, a certificate of excellence, and visibility on platforms like InvokED, a global dialogue on education leadership where the awards will be presented on February 6, 2026. "If last year's nominations were anything to go by, the Shikshagraha Awards are inspirational in more ways than one. They spotlight the quiet courage, relentless commitment, and everyday innovation that fuel our nation's classrooms. With this second edition, we aim to reach deeper into the corners of India. Our goal is to discover and celebrate those unsung champions who dedicate themselves to education equity, often without recognition. Their stories deserve to be seen, heard, and honoured," said Mr. SD Shibulal, Co-Founder, The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) and Co-Founder and Former CEO, Infosys. The nomination process is rigorous, evaluating candidates on continuous improvement, collaboration, innovation, equity-driven actions, and real-world impact. Anyone--students, colleagues, or community members--can nominate a changemaker. Self-nominations are not accepted. "Evaluating nominations for the Shikshagraha Awards is hugely humbling and inspiring. We look for individuals who are not only deeply committed to making education inclusive but are also innovating, collaborating, and improving constantly, even in tough circumstances. It's not grand gestures, but small, significant steps that create meaningful change. Each story we read reflects ownership and caring on the ground, and teaches us that individuals and communities investing energy and imagination is a key to a better future for children in India," Dr. Subramanian Rangan, Professor of Strategy & Management, INSEAD; Member, Board of Advisors, ShikshaLokam, and Jury Chair, Shikshagraha Awards. Forms are available in English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam at Nominations close on August 15, 2025. Shikshagraha is a people's movement aiming to improve 1 million public schools in India by 2030, ensuring every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to dream and succeed. The movement brings together diverse stakeholders--government, civil society, markets and media, to collaboratively address the challenges in the public education system through a micro-improvement approach. By working alongside local actors, fostering collective action, and employing data-driven strategies, Shikshagraha aims to create an inclusive learning environment where every student, regardless of background, gender, or abilities, can thrive in the 21st century. Shikshagraha is being co-built by Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative with Mantra4Change as an anchoring implementation partner.
The Wire
02-07-2025
- General
- The Wire
Shikshagraha Awards 2026: Call for Nominations to Honour Education Leaders
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (NewsVoir) The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) has announced the launch of the second edition of the Shikshagraha Awards, with nominations officially opening today. Instituted to spotlight leadership in education, the Shikshagraha Awards will honour individuals across India who are building an equitable and inclusive education ecosystem, especially for underserved communities. These prestigious awards are part of the Shikshagraha movement, a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving one million public schools by 2030. Anchored in the belief that leadership lies beyond formal titles, the awards recognise those who tirelessly champion the cause of equitable access to education from within and beyond the classroom. Last year's winners embody this spirit. In Tamil Nadu, Xavier Chandra Kumar, a government school headmaster, revitalised a neglected school by introducing counselling, medical camps, and inclusive practices that bridged caste divides. In Bihar, Ranjan Kumar raised school enrolment by 169% through community partnerships and bold learning initiatives. Rajitha N, a supervisor from Karnataka, improved early childhood education across tribal belts, building trust in areas where public systems struggled. And in Bhopal, 17-year-old Muskan Ahirwar earned a special mention for running a public library that now serves 100 children daily, an initiative she began at the age of nine. The Shikshagraha Awards are more than recognition; they amplify stories, inspire action, and build a collective movement for education equity. They aim to reflect the diverse leadership driving the education equity movement by encompassing two broad domains: • Leaders within the Formal Education System: Educators, school leaders, government officials, or institutional actors working within established structures, such as schools, education departments, or academic support bodies, who are creating systemic change from within. • Leaders outside the Formal Education System (Community): Grassroots changemakers, including community organisers, parents, volunteers, or local champions, who are working directly in underserved contexts to expand access, inclusion, and quality in education. Awardees will receive a financial prize of INR 10 lakh (disbursed over two years), a trophy, a certificate of excellence, and visibility on platforms like InvokED, a global dialogue on education leadership where the awards will be presented on February 6, 2026. 'If last year's nominations were anything to go by, the Shikshagraha Awards are inspirational in more ways than one. They spotlight the quiet courage, relentless commitment, and everyday innovation that fuel our nation's classrooms. With this second edition, we aim to reach deeper into the corners of India. Our goal is to discover and celebrate those unsung champions who dedicate themselves to education equity, often without recognition. Their stories deserve to be seen, heard, and honoured,' said Mr. SD Shibulal, Co-Founder, The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) and Co-Founder and Former CEO, Infosys. The nomination process is rigorous, evaluating candidates on continuous improvement, collaboration, innovation, equity-driven actions, and real-world impact. Anyone—students, colleagues, or community members—can nominate a changemaker. Self-nominations are not accepted. 'Evaluating nominations for the Shikshagraha Awards is hugely humbling and inspiring. We look for individuals who are not only deeply committed to making education inclusive but are also innovating, collaborating, and improving constantly, even in tough circumstances. It's not grand gestures, but small, significant steps that create meaningful change. Each story we read reflects ownership and caring on the ground, and teaches us that individuals and communities investing energy and imagination is a key to a better future for children in India,' Dr. Subramanian Rangan, Professor of Strategy & Management, INSEAD; Member, Board of Advisors, ShikshaLokam, and Jury Chair, Shikshagraha Awards. Forms are available in English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam at Nominations close on August 15, 2025. About Shikshagraha Shikshagraha is a people's movement aiming to improve 1 million public schools in India by 2030, ensuring every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to dream and succeed. The movement brings together diverse stakeholders—government, civil society, markets and media, to collaboratively address the challenges in the public education system through a micro-improvement approach. By working alongside local actors, fostering collective action, and employing data-driven strategies, Shikshagraha aims to create an inclusive learning environment where every student, regardless of background, gender, or abilities, can thrive in the 21st century. Shikshagraha is being co-built by Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative with Mantra4Change as an anchoring implementation partner. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Fashion Value Chain
01-07-2025
- General
- Fashion Value Chain
Shikshagraha Awards 2026: Call for Nominations to Honour Education Leaders
The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) has announced the launch of the second edition of the Shikshagraha Awards, with nominations officially opening today. Instituted to spotlight leadership in education, the Shikshagraha Awards will honour individuals across India who are building an equitable and inclusive education ecosystem, especially for underserved communities. These prestigious awards are part of the Shikshagraha movement, a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving one million public schools by 2030. Anchored in the belief that leadership lies beyond formal titles, the awards recognise those who tirelessly champion the cause of equitable access to education from within and beyond the classroom. Last year's winners embody this spirit. In Tamil Nadu, Xavier Chandra Kumar, a government school headmaster, revitalised a neglected school by introducing counselling, medical camps, and inclusive practices that bridged caste divides. In Bihar, Ranjan Kumar raised school enrolment by 169% through community partnerships and bold learning initiatives. Rajitha N, a supervisor from Karnataka, improved early childhood education across tribal belts, building trust in areas where public systems struggled. And in Bhopal, 17-year-old Muskan Ahirwar earned a special mention for running a public library that now serves 100+ children daily, an initiative she began at the age of nine. The Shikshagraha Awards are more than recognition; they amplify stories, inspire action, and build a collective movement for education equity. They aim to reflect the diverse leadership driving the education equity movement by encompassing two broad domains: Leaders within the Formal Education System : Educators, school leaders, government officials, or institutional actors working within established structures, such as schools, education departments, or academic support bodies, who are creating systemic change from within. Leaders outside the Formal Education System (Community): Grassroots changemakers, including community organisers, parents, volunteers, or local champions, who are working directly in underserved contexts to expand access, inclusion, and quality in education. Awardees will receive a financial prize of INR 10 lakh (disbursed over two years), a trophy, a certificate of excellence, and visibility on platforms like InvokED, a global dialogue on education leadership where the awards will be presented on February 6, 2026. 'If last year's nominations were anything to go by, the Shikshagraha Awards are inspirational in more ways than one. They spotlight the quiet courage, relentless commitment, and everyday innovation that fuel our nation's classrooms. With this second edition, we aim to reach deeper into the corners of India. Our goal is to discover and celebrate those unsung champions who dedicate themselves to education equity, often without recognition. Their stories deserve to be seen, heard, and honoured,' said Mr. SD Shibulal, Co-Founder, The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) and Co-Founder and Former CEO, Infosys. The nomination process is rigorous, evaluating candidates on continuous improvement, collaboration, innovation, equity-driven actions, and real-world impact. Anyone-students, colleagues, or community members-can nominate a changemaker. Self-nominations are not accepted. 'Evaluating nominations for the Shikshagraha Awards is hugely humbling and inspiring. We look for individuals who are not only deeply committed to making education inclusive but are also innovating, collaborating, and improving constantly, even in tough circumstances. It's not grand gestures, but small, significant steps that create meaningful change. Each story we read reflects ownership and caring on the ground, and teaches us that individuals and communities investing energy and imagination is a key to a better future for children in India,' Dr. Subramanian Rangan, Professor of Strategy & Management, INSEAD; Member, Board of Advisors, ShikshaLokam, and Jury Chair, Shikshagraha Awards. Forms are available in English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam at Nominations close on August 15, 2025. About Shikshagraha Shikshagraha is a people's movement aiming to improve 1 million public schools in India by 2030, ensuring every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to dream and succeed. The movement brings together diverse stakeholders-government, civil society, markets and media, to collaboratively address the challenges in the public education system through a micro-improvement approach. By working alongside local actors, fostering collective action, and employing data-driven strategies, Shikshagraha aims to create an inclusive learning environment where every student, regardless of background, gender, or abilities, can thrive in the 21st century. Shikshagraha is being co-built by Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative with Mantra4Change as an anchoring implementation partner.
