#GuruShishyaParampara - The Gurukul Tradition

By Pt. Rupak Kulkarni

Indian classical music can be called a ‘guru mukhi vidya’ (गुरु मुखी विद्या), in which students stay in an ashram with the Guru and gain knowledge from him, be it music or Vedas, Upanishads etc., face-to-face. This system not only creates future musicians but also future Gurus who carry forward the music tradition with ease. At our Online Talk #GuruShishyaParampara, flautist Pandit Rupak Kulkarni who learnt in the Gurukul system and continues to teach music the same way, explains how the ‘Gurukul’ tradition is an integral part of Indian classical music, and how it prepares the student for music…and life.

About the speaker

Pt. Rupak Kulkarni is a renowned flautist playing both Indian classical music and world music. His love for the flute was infused by his father, late Pt. Malhar Rao Kulkarni. At the tender age of 9, he was accepted by Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia as a disciple. Presently, he heads the Department of Flute at the Chinmaya University, helping hordes of youngsters fulfil their musical aspirations. He is also n All India Radio Top Grade Artiste and is empanelled as an Outstanding Grade Artiste by ICCR. He has performed at almost all prestigious festivals, both, in India and abroad.