Aug 14 2025 to Aug 14 2025 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Each year, on August 15th, India proudly celebrates its Independence Day—marking freedom from colonial rule. Yet amid the celebratory spirit, there lies a profound need to explore the deeper layers of true liberation—one that transcends politics and echoes through the verses of poets across centuries.

Mukti – Liberation in Song is a musical odyssey into freedom’s many dimensions, inspired by poets who dared envision a world free from oppression. From Tyagaraja’s desire to break free from worldly attachments to Akka Mahadevi’s defiance of patriarchal norms, each performance encapsulates a unique facet of liberation. Basavanna and Chokkamela’s verses resound with resistance against caste barriers, advocating universal equality. Kabir’s timeless words soar with a similar spirit—calling upon souls to shatter dogmatic chains.

With stirring narratives and evocative melodies, Mukti – Liberation in Song invites audiences to embark on an introspective journey: Is freedom merely the flight of a bird beyond cages, or is it the liberation of the soul from earthly bonds? The programme juxtaposes live performances of classical and folk compositions in multiple languages with immersive narration, enhanced by a simulcast slideshow that showcases the rich tapestry of Indian poetry and its perennial quest for freedom.

Join us as we honor the enduring spirit of Mukti,and celebrate the poets whose voices envisioned a world where freedom isn’t just a political concept—but a universal human yearning.

Supported by:

Artists

​Chitra Srikrishna
Vocals
Chitra Srikrishna is a celebrated Carnatic vocalist, writer, and music-appreciation educator. With over three decades of experience, she has delighted audiences worldwide through live performances, radio broadcast, and television. She trained under luminaries such as Smt Seethalakshmi Venkatesan, Shri V. Subrahmanian, Shri O. S. Thyagarajan, and Smt Lalgudi Rajalakshmi.

As an educator, Chitra is passionate about demystifying Indian classical music. She regularly hosts workshops and creates thematic productions—like Pravaas, Nityotsava, Udaan, Rajamarga, Vivartana, Antah Prerna, Bhakti, and HumRaag—that have garnered enthusiastic receptions in South India and the US.

During her tenure at Ahmedabad University, she taught courses such as Musical Traditions of India, How Music Shapes Cities: Varanasi to NYC, and Bhakti & Music: Oral Tradition to Radical Change, engaging students across all disciplines with insightful exploration of music’s cultural impact.

Chitra has also established herself as an insightful cultural commentator. Her writing on musical and societal themes appears in major publications including Deccan Herald, The Hindu, Mint Lounge, Scroll, and Sruti

Vaibhav Ramani
Violin
Vaibhav Ramani is a disciple of Vid. Sri Kumaresh (widely known as the Fiddling Monk) of the renowned Ganesh–Kumaresh duo. An A-grade artist with All India Radio, Bengaluru, Vaibhav performs extensively as both a soloist and accompanist across major cities in South India. He has accompanied several eminent Carnatic musicians, including Vid. Abhishek Raghuram, Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, and Dr. Renganatha Sharma, among others.

His performances have also taken him abroad, to countries such as Australia, Uganda, and Canada. Vaibhav is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship Award from Sri Shanmukhananda Sabha, the Raga Laya Prabha Award from Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandira (Bangalore), and the Best Violin Accompanist Award under the Spirit of Youth series by the Madras Music Academy. His debut album, “Hamsanadam: A Tribute to My Guru,” was warmly received.

Adamya Ramanand
Mridangam
Adamya Ramanand began his training under Vid. M.A. Krishnamurthy and went on to receive advanced mentorship from Padma Vibhushan Umayalpuram Sri K. Sivaraman. He continues to be guided by Vid. Arjun Kumar. An A-grade artist with All India Radio and Doordarshan for over a decade, Adamya’s performance career spans nearly thirty years. Over this time, he has accompanied leading Carnatic musicians across generations, earning a reputation for both versatility and depth in his art.