Yuva Utsav 2025: A Celebration of our Young Professionals

In the life of every artist, there is a turning point, a moment where years of disciplined training, personal sacrifice, and quiet love for the craft begin to bloom into something more. It’s no longer just about learning; it’s about a real embodiment and dedication to a passion in their journey!

Yuva Utsav, which translates to “Youth Celebration,” is more than a showcase. It’s a rite of passage. A recognition that a young artist has reached a level where they are no longer simply a student, but someone stepping into their own voice, their own style, and their own place in the artistic tradition. It is a bridge between practice and performance, between structure and self-expression, between being guided and now inspiring others.

For those of us at Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, Yuva Utsav is one of the most meaningful programs we offer for our young up and coming professionals!

In this blog, we sat down with four artists—two dancers and two singers—who have experienced this in their own lives. They shared their reflections on Yuva Utsav 2025.

Their stories are as moving as the performances. Let’s begin.
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Dance as Devotion: The Bharatanatyam Experience

When we asked about a moment that moved Bharatanatyam teacher and performer Megha P. Rao recalled a performance that left a lasting impression.

“The Navarasa was so rare that it surprised me,” she said, referring to the nine emotional states explored in classical Indian dance. “And the way Akshath Piram carried his performance through each piece to the end—without showing the exhaustion one would be feeling after a 30+ minute performance—connected me to his hard work and dedication.”

Vinitha, a fellow dancer and parent, watched the same performance and wholeheartedly agreed. It wasn’t just the endurance that stood out—it was the emotional clarity, the depth of expression, and the commitment to honoring the tradition. That moment captured the essence of Yuva Utsav: it’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.

But Yuva Utsav isn’t just for dancers.

“It is the place where up-and-coming artists—dancers, singers, and musicians—can get inspired by seeing their peers being recognized,” Vinitha explained. “It’s a chance to take their art more seriously and, in turn, to be taken more seriously.”

From a parent’s perspective, she added,
“It’s wonderful to see my child feel encouraged to take on the challenge of performing one day. It keeps them engaged and plugs them into a community of like-minded, dedicated peers.”

For Megha, the role of Bharatanatyam in storytelling goes far beyond the surface.
“It has played a significant role for ages because it expresses countless stories and topics through a complex system of rhythmic movement and gesture—often even without music,” she said. “From footwork and hand gestures to eye movements and facial expressions, every element paints a picture and transmits a message.”

And for the young dancers dreaming of stepping onto the Yuva Utsav stage, Megha offers this advice:
“Make use of your teacher. They hold an abundance of knowledge and experience. But it’s also the student’s responsibility to ask questions—again and again. That’s how you uncover the full depth of what your teacher has to offer.”

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Voices in Harmony: The Carnatic Vocal Journey

Tanvi and Tanya Kartik a dynamic duo in the Carnatic tradition offered a performance that highlighted the good work and knowledge they've developed over these years and when Carnatic vocalists Kiran and Nivi, known as the Sai Sisters, took the stage at Yuva Utsav, they brought more than just their voices. They brought a level of discipline, imagination, and connection that captivated both audiences and fellow musicians.

Priya P. Ram, a Carnatic music teacher in the community, expressed her appreciation not only as a listener but as an educator:
“First of all, to have such talented and well-known young artists come and perform on our stage is a blessing to our up-and-coming artists. Huge thanks to Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for giving us the opportunity to share in this experience!”

“From the perspective of a teacher, listening to their style of swara phrases—so fast-paced and precise—kept me on the edge of my seat!”

Vidya Ramachandhiramani, another local vocalist and teacher, was especially impressed by the complexity and precision of the sisters’ performance.
“There was a particular point in the katcheri where they seamlessly integrated two ragas—the base note of one raga became the launching point for the next, picked up by the other singer. It showed just how much time and effort these girls have spent on their harmonies and craft.”

​For aspiring Carnatic vocalists, platforms like Yuva Utsav offer more than an opportunity to perform—they provide a space to be seen and celebrated at a pivotal moment in an artist’s journey.

“It is so important,” said Priya. “I think the Sai Sisters did a beautiful job starting their performance with the basic varṇam—a form that both beginning and advanced musicians can relate to. It inspires young singers to find their own voice within the tradition.”

When asked what advice they would give to younger students aspiring to sing at Yuva Utsav, Vidya shared this encouragement:
“My advice is to realize that there are no limits to music.”
“This mindset will take you far into your own style and open doors you didn’t even know were there.”
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​Key TermsBharatanatyam:
This ancient Indian classical dance form is defined by a distinctive technique rooted in tradition (bani), shaped by the dancer’s lineage and training. Its signature includes a fixed upper body, bent knees, expressive gestures, and complex rhythms—all brought together to create a living story on stage.
Carnatic Music:
Rooted in South Indian classical tradition, Carnatic music is structured yet deeply expressive. Central to its form are ragas—melodic frameworks designed to evoke emotion—and compositions like varṇams, which help musicians master the foundation of a raga. A katcheri is a formal concert where musicians perform for a live audience, drawing on both composition and improvisation to carry the art forward.
Katcheri:
A katcheri is an assembly of musicians and audience in the context of Carnatic music, presented in the concert format. The music fraternity—including both connoisseurs and everyday listeners—gathers at these venues to enjoy classical music concerts by vidwans (accomplished performers). Interestingly, the word katcheri is derived from the Urdu and Hindi term for a court of law—underscoring the formality and reverence of the event.
Raga:
A raga (also spelled raag, raaga, or ragam) is a melodic framework used for improvisation and composition in Indian classical music. The word itself translates to "coloring" or "tingeing," signifying its ability to evoke mood and emotion. Each raga consists of a specific set of notes and motifs, and its purpose is to "color the mind" of the listener, drawing them into a particular emotional and aesthetic experience.