Speakers
Why does a melody move us?
This interactive session explores how rhythm, words, and the human voice shape the way we experience music, drawing on the book Band Baaja Bhava: A Musical Journey Across India. Through musical demonstrations, familiar tunes, and audience sing-alongs, it begins with bhava (emotion and expression) and rasa (the aesthetic experience evoked by art), inviting listeners into the melody itself.
The session moves between live music and discourse, with the audience taking part throughout. A conversation follows on the ideas and experiences behind the book. Whether you are a lifelong music aficionado or curious to learn about why music moves us, this is an invitation to listen, participate, and discover India through its many musical genres.
Venue: Seminar Halls
Speakers
Chitra Srikrishna
Chitra Srikrishna is a Carnatic vocalist, educator and writer with over three decades of performance experience. She explores music as a living dialogue and is known for her productions such as Abhaya (women poets), Mukti (freedom), Pravaas (migration), and Udaan (birds in poetry), which weave song, story and imagery together. Her focus is on making Indian music accessible to a wider audience through thematic workshops and courses. She has taught at universities in Ahmedabad, Boston and Washington, and writes on music and society for publications including The Hindu. Her book Band Baaja Bhava – A Musical Journey Across India was published by Hachette India in October 2026.
Sadhana Rao
Sadhana Rao is a research-led writer and curator in arts and culture, having written on music, literature and film festivals for leading publications. As a curator, she works with artists and conservatories across genres to weave narrative-backed lecture demonstrations and performances. She has been a curator, speaker and moderator at platforms including the Mahindra Kabira Festival, Royal Opera House Mumbai and Jaipur Literature Festival. She founded Art Links Learning to create age-appropriate curriculum for imparting music and arts intelligence.
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