FOUNDER

Dhara has been teaching Indian classical vocal music since 1995. She holds a Master’s degree in Performing Arts (Vocal Music) from M.S. University, Baroda, and is also a recipient of the Sangeet Visharad and Sangeet Shiksha Visharad, credentials that reflect her strong grounding in both performance and pedagogy.

She was trained in the Gwalior Gharana under the late Pt. Narayan Rao Patwardhan, son and disciple of the legendary Pt. Vinayak Rao Patwardhan. Since 2019, Dhara has been receiving advanced guidance from Shree Anol Chatterjee, a prime disciple of Padmabhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, enriching her musical depth and interpretative maturity.

Dhara is a recipient of the prestigious Acharya Allauddin Music Circle Gold Medal for excellence in music theory and practical application. She has previously served as a Lecturer and Head of the Music Department at J.G. College of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad, India, and now continues to mentor students worldwide with clarity, discipline, and artistic sensitivity.

CO-FOUNDER

Ruchir, a seasoned Instructional Designer and e-learning consultant with 20+ years of experience. He has successfully designed and implemented learning programs for U.S. federal government clients leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. He is a big proponent for strategic integration of AI in our daily lives to unlock human potential, freeing people to focus on creative pursuits, scientific inquiry, and high-level problem-solving. A U.S. Army combat veteran, he holds various technical certifications from government agencies and a Master's degree in Management and Human Resources from Wayland Baptist University, Texas.

LEAD ADMINISTRATOR

Vagmi is a dedicated member of ICMSC since 2021, and handles ICMSC’s administrative work. A first-generation immigrant with a deep appreciation for multicultural traditions, particularly Indian classical music, she fosters cultural preservation and promotion through her work. With over a decade in the healthcare sector preceding her family-focused life, Vagmi leverages her organizational expertise to ensure ICMSC's operational efficiency, governance, and strategic direction. As a devoted student of Hindustani music herself at ICMSC, she also supports the development of future generations through her children's musical education. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Vagmi is proud to serve the ICMSC community remotely while nurturing her own family's cultural heritage.

TEACHER

Shilpi grew up in a musically rich family and began formal training in Hindustani vocal music at a young age under the guidance of renowned vocalist Smt. Savita Devi. She later studied at the esteemed Sri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra in New Delhi. Alongside a professional career in accounting supported by a B.Com. from Delhi University and an MBA, Shilpi has continued to pursue her passion for music. She has been a student of ICMSC since 2019, and is currently learning at the Visharad level. Shilpi is deeply committed to sharing the joy and discipline of Indian classical music with the next generation.