When was the last time you heard a classical music song or attended a classical music concert, a majority answer to this question would be a long time ago and a small minority may have never even attended a concert.

Mr Nandu Kulkarni, an IIT alumnus is a banking software expert by profession and the founder of www.ShadjaMadhyam.com by choice. It is the first of its kind internet portal created to promote and create awareness about classical music and it various facets and fine nuances.

We at the Punekar have him, sharing his views with our readers, his foray into classical music and how he intends to provide a medium of learning and interaction as well as revive the lost glory of Indian classical music among the masses.

Can you please give our readers a brief description on how you got interested in Indian Classical Music?

My interest in classical music began from my college days in IIT, Mumbai. We would often have festivals in which many distinguished artists would come and perform. Entranced by their inspiring performances I decided to learn more about classical music. This is where my foray into classical music began.

I started by hearing the recordings of various artists such as Pt Bhimsen Joshi and Pt Ram Marathe, who till date are among my favourite artists. I soon began taking lessons in Indian classical music and took lessons in playing the flute as well. As I went deeper and deeper into the ocean of Indian Classical Music, my interest soon transcended into a passion.

What inspired you to shift your career path from a software professional to you current role?

I have been an active part of the software industry for the last 30 years but I decided I want to follow my passion and delve as deep into it as possible and share with people the beauty and intricacies of Indian classical music. That is why I have decided to take this step and shift my career path. I still freelance as a software consultant but my energies are currently diverted towards spreading Indian classical music among the classes and the masses.

What does ShadjaMadhyam mean and is there is specific reason to pick up this name?

The name ShadjaMadhyam finds it basis in the concept of consonants in Indian classical music. Shadja refers to ‘Sa’ and Madhyam refers to ‘Ma’ in the classical music notations. ShadjaMadhyan collectively refers to the notes between ‘Sa’ and ‘Ma’, which aesthetically speaking are an essential aspect of Indian Classical Music. Therefore, I decided to name my portal after this.

How did you come up with the novel idea of creating an internet portal for Indian classical music, especially carrying out online tutorials for students?

Whenever I travelled to cities abroad, I noticed all of them have at least 2 to 3 FM channels which are dedicated solely to classical music and Indian cities did not even have a single one. That was when an idea struck me to create a medium for the expression of classical music.
I also knew people, who were interested to learn classical music but were unable to do so as they were based abroad and did not have access to a teacher. Even if they did, the costs involved were extremely high. Many people in India as well encountered similar problems.

It was then that I decided to use the internet as a medium and created ShadjaMadhyam. Through the internet, I can provide a wide variety of services to a worldwide audience helping them to fulfil their desire to deepen their knowledge of classical music.

What is your objective for creating such a medium?

Through this portal I want to spread Indian classical music among the masses and the classes. Everyone who wants to learn about Indian classical music can come to us and they will find a plethora of knowledge and learning opportunities. I would like to spread awareness and promote classical music, especially amongst the youth and people abroad.

I also want to create a music communion, which caters to individuals who have a serious interest in classical music and provide them with a platform through which they can share and express themselves.

What are the various facets of your portal?

As of now they are five main constituents of the portal which include the following.

Gurukul:-This is an online academy, where we provide lessons on the vocal and instrumental aspects of classical music. We have a group of dedicated teachers and a lesson database. Anyone who is interested can choose a lesson they want to learn and through a virtual classroom via webcam the student and teacher can have a meaningful interaction.

Tarang: – This is an online radio and our alternative to a FM channel. Here we play music by upcoming artists as well as famous artists. People from all over the world can tune in to it and enjoy themselves.

Sahitya: – This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia on Indian classical music, which contains information about the history, scales and aesthetics of classical music amongst a variety of other topics.

eShop:- This shop contains a wide variety of books and Cds on Indian classical music as well as concert recordings. Users can easily purchase them with a click and the products will be shipped to them anywhere in the world.

Baithak:- This is an event calendar, which contains detailed information about all the classical music events that are taking place in Pune.

Why do you think the youth of today is not interested in classical music compared to earlier generations?

This shift can be attributed to globalisation and the presence of an easily accessible and aggressive media. Classical music is no longer promoted and spread the way it was and this has played a major role in bringing about a disinterest regarding classical music, especially amongst the youth.

As Classical music is more abstract and intricate, it requires a certain level of patience and perseverance. Due to its complexities, people have to make an effort to understand and appreciate it. In today’s hectic life people find it extremely difficult to take time out for such creative pursuits.

How do you plan to change that?

I am planning to introduce basic music appreciation modules which will consist of basic musical concepts and detailed analysis of the same. This will help the youth develop a greater understanding of classical music which will bring about an increase in their interest and inculcate within them the necessary qualities required to appreciate classical music.

I am also planning to introduce a musical aptitude test which will help the youth increase their knowledge of classical music. Eventually we will also create a platform, where people interested in classical music can come together and interact with likeminded people.

Could you take us through the journey of how this portal has grown since its inception in 2009?

Initially the site took some time to take off as it was a new concept. I decided to use internet and word of mouth publicity as our only mediums of marketing. As the word spread, we started getting more and more users from India as well as other parts of the world such as the US, Canada, and UK.

Earlier when musical events happened in Pune we would have to approach people to gather more information about them but now people come to us with their programmes and ask us to advertise the event for them.

What steps have you taken to promote your cause? Are there any expansion plans in the pipeline?

We have done extensive marketing over the internet. We carried out advertisements on musical sites in India and abroad as well. Through this we have been able to reach a wide audience all over the world who have helped us further our cause of spreading classical music.
There are expansion plans in the pipeline but instead of divulging them here I would like you to visit the website and see it developing for yourself.

What are your views on the Indian classical music scene in Pune?

In earlier times Pune was among the cultural hubs of India. Many distinguished artists would hold their concerts in Pune. There was a keen following for classical music especially among the youth. Over time this interest among people has diminished due to which the frequency of events has also reduced. The majority of the events that take place are mostly attended by older generations.

Now efforts are being made to promote classical music so as to revive its former glory and prestige. Through ShadjaMadhyam I am making my own small contribution to this process.

Have you been associated with any musical events that have been taking place in Pune?

Through ShadjaMadhya I am supporting various musical events that have been taking place in Pune. We recently organized an event for the first time and were the principal organiser of the show where Pandit Suresh Talwarkar performed.

We are also planning to create a record label and sell CDs and cassettes to promote young and upcoming artists as well as a music journal through which we will cover musical events and explore various facets of classical music.