The Abhyaas School of Music founded by Aparna Balaji recently hosted its highly anticipated "Abhyaas Annual Day 2026," a momentous occasion marking the culmination of the institution’s 25th-anniversary celebrations. The event was a vibrant showcase of dedication, artistry, and community spirit, bringing together students, esteemed senior artists, and local leaders to honor a quarter-century of preserving and promoting Carnatic music. During this milestone event, Aparna Balaji was recognized for her significant contributions to the community with citations from the State Senate, the State Legislature, and the Governor.
The evening opened with a thematic Carnatic choir, "Panchanadai," which expertly presented all five Nadais in Carnatic music. The performance featured a beautiful Thillana composed in Ragam Hamsanandhi and Sankeerna Chapu Talam by Aparna Balaji, performed with remarkable skill by the senior group. Aparna extended her deepest gratitude to the ensemble of accomplished accompanying artists and the dedicated teachers who meticulously trained the budding student performers for this grand presentation.
A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to a special felicitation segment, where the school honored Reverend Katherine Adams of the First Congregational Church. The Abhyaas School of Music has conducted classes at the church for 13 years and expressed sincere appreciation for the church’s ongoing support, both in providing a space for instruction and for inviting the school to represent Indian culture and traditions at their various events.
The school also recognized several pillars of the arts community, including senior artists Smt. Jothi Raghavan, Smt. Tara Anand, and Smt. Durga Krishnan, as well as key members of instrumental organizations - Dr. Shashikala Dwaraknatha and Dr. Gopal Dwaraknath of Chinmaya Maruti Boston, Dr. Pradeep Shukla and Smt.Sunita Shukla of LearnQuest Academy of Music, and Dr. Anil Saigal and Smt. Ranjani Saigal of Lokvani.com. These honorees were introduced by distinguished guests, Smt. Sunanda Narayanan, Smt. Sridevi Thirumalai, Smt. Jeyanthi Ghatraju, Shri Pravin Sitaram, Shri Mali Santhanakrishnan, and Shri Raghavendra Rao Vencharla, who joined the school in celebrating these partners for their roles in helping the community grow and collaborate. Aparna comes from a legendary musical family. Her father is the great musician O.S. Thiagarajan. Her mother Vaidehi and uncle, AVK Rajasimmhan were present in the audience and her uncle applauded Aparna’s work.
The milestone event concluded with a befitting finale curated by Smt. Deepa Srinath Bungale, Smt. Aishwarya Balasubramanian, and Smt. Soumya Rajaram. The presentation was a beautiful bharatanatyam thematic dance presentation, Dwaram. The school extended its heartfelt thanks to event sponsors, Navina Wealth and Bharati Vidhyashram, for their generous support in making the anniversary celebration a success. Reflecting on the event, Aparna Balaji expressed profound humility and gratitude for the outpouring of love and validation received from the entire community.
It was indeed a beautiful celebration. Lokvani was honored to be part of the celebration and we wish Aparna great success in the future.
