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Pt Ravindra Yavagal in 1964
Pt Ravindra Yavagal in 1964
Pandit Ravindra Yavagal, one of India’s foremost tabla maestros, was born on 27 November 1959 in Hubli, Karnataka, to Late Smt. Parvatibai and Late Sri Ramachandra Yavagal. Introduced to rhythm at the tender age of four by his father, he began his formal training under Sri Veeranna Kamkar of Hubli. His musical brilliance was further shaped under the guidance of Pandit Sheshagiri Hangal, the eminent tabla virtuoso from Dharwad, who nurtured his artistry with great care. He also received invaluable insights from Pandit Lalji Gokhale, a distinguished disciple of the legendary Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa.
Gifted from an early age, Pt. Yavagal was a regular performer in children’s programmes on All India Radio, Dharwad, by the age of five. He presented his first solo recital at just ten years old at the prestigious Sawai Gandharva Music Festival in Kundagol, accompanied by maestro Pt. Appa Jalgonkar on the harmonium.
During Gandabhan Ceremony
During Gandabhan Ceremony
With Guru Pt. Sheshagiri Hangal
With Guru Pt. Sheshagiri Hangal
With Guru Pt. Sheshagiri Hangal
With Guru Pt. Sheshagiri Hangal
Pt. Ravindra Yavagal is a ‘Top Rank’ artiste of All India Radio and a ‘Post Graduate in Music’ from Indira Kala Vishvavidyalaya-Khairagarh (M.P). Being one of the most sought-after tabla artists in India, he has enthralled the audience through his skilful techniques and creative style, which are a result of rigorous training and sincere practice. He is recognised both as a soloist and as a sensitive accompanist. In the world of classical music, he has accompanied prominent vocalists & instrumentalists and given solo performances on many prestigious occasions throughout the country.
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
He has accompanied an extraordinary range of top-ranking artistes across the world of Indian classical music.
As a creative artist, Pt. Yavagal has always embraced fusion-oriented and experimental music, which has led him to share the stage with eminent South Indian maestros such as Dr. Balamuralikrishna, Prof. T.N. Krishnan, Sri Umayalapuram K. Shivaraman, Sri Guruvayur Dorai, Late Sri Tanjore Upendran, and Sri Yella Venkateshwara Rao, among others.
He has performed extensively on Radio and Television, including several prestigious broadcasts. His lecture-demonstrations on percussion at reputed institutions have drawn large and appreciative audiences. Internationally, he has toured widely and enthralled listeners in concerts across the United States, France, Egypt, Hong Kong, and many other countries, performing alongside renowned artists.
Pt. Yavagal also has to his credit a solo tabla album, “Gati – Soul of Rhythm,” along with numerous other classical recordings.
Hindustani Vocal Legends
Hindustani Vocal Legends
Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, Dr. Gangubai Hangal, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Basavaraj Rajguru, Pt. C.R. Vyas, Pt. Firoz Dastur, Pt. Rajan & Sajan Mishra, Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Begum Parveen Sultana, Pandita Kishori Amonkar, Dr. Prabha Atre, Pandita Veena Sahasrabuddhe, Pandita Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, and many others.
Instrumental Maestros
Instrumental Maestros
Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr M.S. Gopalakrishnan, Dr N. Rajam, Pt. Brij Bhushan Kabra, Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Pt. Debu Choudhary, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pt. Buddhaditya Mukherjee, Dr Rajeev Taranath, Ustad Bale Khan, Ustad Abdul Haleem Jaffar Khan, Ustad Shamim Ahmed, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan (Pakistan), and several distinguished artistes from across the subcontinent.
Contributions
Contributions
The Government of Karnataka nominated him as an honorary member of the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy for the term 2002–2004, where he contributed significantly to the advancement of music. He also served on the Advisory Committee of the Directorate of Textbooks, Government of Karnataka, and worked as a scrutinizer in developing Talavadya textbooks for proficiency-level students.
With a vision to promote, popularise, and nurture diverse facets of music, Pt. Yavagal founded the public charitable trust Shri Rama Kala Vedike® in 2005, in memory of his father, Late Sri Ramachandra Yavagal. The Vedike conducts various socio-cultural and musical initiatives, supports emerging talent, and extends financial assistance to musicians in need. He continues to guide the organisation as its Managing Trustee.
Pt. Yavagal also served as a senior member of All India Radio, Bangalore, offering over 37 years of distinguished service as a Selection Grade Artiste, contributing immensely to the institution’s musical legacy.
A dedicated and proficient guru, Pt. Yavagal has trained numerous young musicians, many of whom have established themselves in both classical and semi-classical genres. As a heartfelt tribute to their guru, his disciples recently released a documentary titled “The Divine Hands of Tabla”, capturing his life, journey, and achievements.
“Tabla Santa” by Dr. Sri Dattatreya Velankar of Shadja Kala Kendra beautifully chronicles the life and journey of Pt. Ravindra Yavagal. It offers a profound glimpse into the journey of a Guru whose music and mentorship have shaped countless lives.
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