Here’s the breakdown of the program in 3 stages:
Stage 1: 31st AUGUST – Raga Merdeka – National Level
Online Audition
In respect of Malaysian Independence Day, we are calling the online audition Raga Merdeka
National level Audition.
FREE for all Malaysians.
Closing date for video submissions: 28th August 2025
Audition dates: 30th & 31st August, 2025, 8pm on ZOOM
Judges for the competition:
Malaysia Judge: Music Director JAY a prominent Malaysian music director, Indian Composer, Vocalist, Vocal Tutor and Social Activist.
Meet Master Jay
The Pride of Malaysian Indian Music Jay, fondly known as Master J, is a true jewel in the Malaysian Indian music scene. A versatile composer, vocalist, vocal tutor, and social activist, he has shaped the soundscape of our community with his extraordinary talent.
With more than 300 original compositions, Master J has carved a powerful market presence in the Malaysian Indian industry. His creative journey did not stop at home—he also stepped into Tamil Nadu’s grand stage as a playback singer for movies, collaborating with the renowned music director James Vasanthan.
Beyond composing and performing, Master J has carried the torch of excellence as a prestigious judge on platforms such as RTM and Astro, uplifting countless rising talents. His collaborations extend gracefully across Malay, Chinese, and Indian music icons, proving his artistry knows no boundaries.
In the digital era, Master J has embraced education with vision. Today, he leads a global e-learning music academy with over 500 active students worldwide, nurturing the next generation of singers and instrumentalists with patience, discipline, and inspiration. A visionary, a teacher, and a bridge between cultures—Master J is not just a musician; he is a movement of music itself, carrying the voice of Malaysia to the world.
India Judge :
Isai Kalaimani T.L Shanker Rajaa at right pic (Singer) s/o Kalaimaamani Isai Thendral Sri Trichy Loganathan Avargal (The First Play Back Singer of Tamil Cine Music Industry) also a distinguished lecturer in Keyboard, Sangeetham, and Voice Culture at Akshara Fine Arts, India & Malaysia – carrying forward the legacy with passion and excellence.
In honoring our art, we are blessed to have Isai Kalaimani T.L. Shanker Rajaa among us – a singer whose voice is shaped by heritage and refined by devotion. As the son of Isai Thendral Sri Trichy Loganathan, the very first playback singer in Tamil cinema, Shanker Rajaa embodies both tradition and the promise of the future. His role as a judge in Akshara Aradhana is more than guidance; it is a blessing of legacy, ensuring that the torch of music continues to shine bright across generations.
Profile: Isai Kalaimani T.L. Shanker Rajaa
Isai Kalaimani T.L. Shanker Rajaa is a gifted singer whose artistry is deeply rooted in one of the most historic musical legacies of Tamil Nadu. He is the proud son of Kalaimaamani Isai Thendral Sri Trichy Loganathan Avargal, a towering figure in Tamil music history.
His Father: Sri Trichy Loganathan Avargal
- Sri Trichy Loganathan holds a place of honor as the first playback singer in the Tamil cine music industry.
- He was a pioneering figure during the golden age of Tamil cinema, opening the doors for generations of playback singers who followed.
- Known as Isai Thendral (Musical Breeze), his voice carried not just melody but also the cultural identity of an entire community.
- He set the standard for playback singing at a time when Tamil cinema was carving its unique identity, making him a founding pillar of Tamil film music. Shanker Rajaa’s Musical Identity
- As the son of such a legend, T.L. Shanker Rajaa naturally inherited the musical flame.
- Honored with the title Isai Kalaimani, he has established himself as a respected vocalist, carrying the torch of his father’s legacy while making his own mark.
- His singing style reflects both tradition and modernity, bridging the classical foundation laid by his father with the evolving styles of today’s audiences.
Their Highest Contributions to Music
- Trichy Loganathan
o First playback singer in Tamil cinema, immortalizing himself in history.
o Brought dignity, recognition, and artistry to playback singing.
o Served as a role model and inspiration for countless singers after him. - T.L. Shanker Rajaa
o Continues the legacy as a dedicated singer and performer.
o Contributes to cultural programs, competitions, and concerts, inspiring the next generation of vocalists.
o Serves as a bridge between the foundational history of Tamil film music and today’s musical expressions. In essence, when honouring the title Isai Kalaimani to T.L. Shanker Rajaa, were also
honoring the entire heritage of Tamil playback singing, beginning with his father, the legendary Isai Thendral Sri Trichy Loganathan.
Stage 2: 25th SEPTEMBER – AKSHARA ARADHANA
Online Competition
GOOD NEWS FOR AUDITION WINNERS!
All winners from the Raga Merdeka Audition can officially join the National Veena & Vocal Competition 2025 a.k.a AKSHARA ARADHANA Online Competition by registering with just RM100 per category.
With this one-time registration (per category):
- You are entitled to participate in the Grand Competition and stand a chance to win from
the RM10,000 Cash Prize Pool. Winners will share a RM10,000 cash prize pool (combined across both categories). - You will receive FREE entry (worth RM450) to a One Full-Day Workshop with worldfamous artists:
i) Vocal Workshop (for singing competition registrants) conducted by Vocal Maestro Bhairavi
ii) Veena Workshop (for veena competition registrants) conducted by Veena Maestro Ranjani
Special Bonus:
If you register for both the Singing & Veena Competitions, you will get access to both workshops (2 full days, worth RM900) completely FREE!
Categories: Vocal (Sangeetham) and Veena.
Closing date for submissions: 25th September
Judges: World-famous Voice & Veena Twins – Bhairavi & Ranjini.
We are truly privileged to welcome Ranjani Mahesh – Veena Artist | Music Therapist | Global Performer | Educator – as a judge for our prestigious competition and as the workshop conductor for the Veena session on 5th October.
Honoring Veena Maestro: Ranjani Mahesh
With more than 20 years of mastery in Indian classical music, Ranjani Mahesh has carved a global reputation as a Veena virtuoso. Her artistry flows seamlessly between traditional Carnatic discipline and contemporary collaborations, making her a truly versatile musician.
✨ As a music therapist, she has worked under the guidance of Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan Sir and has transformed lives by helping autistic children discover the healing power of music. Her compassionate mission adds a divine depth to her art. Her journey has taken her to prestigious stages across the US, UK, and Europe, performing in solo concerts, grand orchestras, and cultural festivals. She has been a shining presence in the London Raga Jyothi Orchestra and has collaborated with numerous international bands, making her an ambassador of Indian music to the world.
Ranjani is also the co-founder of Music Zone (Coimbatore) and a dedicated teacher whose students span across the US, UK, Europe, Singapore, and Malaysia. Many of her disciples have performed on international platforms, carrying forward the rich tradition of the Veena. Her performances have been showcased on leading television channels such as Sun TV, Kalaignar TV, Kappa TV, and Music Mojo Seasons 4 & 6, highlighting her versatility and stage brilliance.
� Alongside her twin sister Bhairavi, Ranjani is preparing to launch a revolutionary teaching application, “Voice Veena Twins“, to share their knowledge with music lovers worldwide. With over 35,000 YouTube followers and more than 100,000 Instagram followers, she is already an inspiration to thousands of aspiring musicians.
At Akshara Aradhana 2025
- Judge: Vocal & Veena Competitions
- Workshop Conductor: Special Veena Workshop on 5th October
- Her presence is not only a blessing to our participants but also a golden opportunity for all
Veena aspirants in Malaysia to learn directly from a global artist whose music heals, uplifts,
and inspires. - With Ranjani Mahesh among us, Akshara Aradhana becomes more than a program – it
becomes a divine musical experience that bridges tradition, healing, and global artistry
Celebrating the Maestro in Voice of Grace: Bairavi J
We are immensely honored to welcome Bairavi J – Singer | RJ | Dubbing Artist | Entrepreneur – as one of the esteemed judges of our competition and the conductor of the Sangeetham Workshop on 4th October at Akshara Aradhana 2025.
🎤 With more than 25 years of experience in the field of music, Bairavi has dazzled audiences with her soulful voice, versatility, and charismatic presence. She began her career as a much-loved Radio Jockey with Hello FM, where her vibrant shows earned the admiration of celebrities and listeners alike.
A true performer at heart, she has toured extensively as an acclaimed orchestra singer, sharing her voice across India, Singapore, and beyond. With a magnetic presence both on stage and online, she commands an impressive following of 50,000+ fans on Smule, 100,000+ on Instagram, and 40,000+ subscribers on YouTube, making her one of the most recognized voices in the digital music space.
As a recording artist, Bairavi has released several devotional and independent albums, captivating audiences with her depth across genres. Her excellence has been honored with multiple awards including the prestigious Kovai Wonder Woman, the Smule Diva Icon Award, and the TEMA – Nayagigal Award for her outstanding contribution to music.
Bairavi has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the greatest icons in Indian music including Shri. SP Balasubrahmanyam, Shri. Hariharan, Shri. Mano, Smt. Janaki, Smt. Sujatha, and Smt. Vani Jayaram, an achievement that speaks to her caliber as a professional performer.
Her talent has also lit up television, with appearances on Kappa TV’s Music Mojo (Seasons 4 & 6), Sun TV, Sun Music, Kalaignar TV, Vijay TV, and Jaya TV. She is also a core performer on Ragamalaika TV and a featured artist in the QFR Show curated by Smt.
Subhasree Thanikachalam
Together with her twin sister, Ranjani Mahesh, she co-founded Music Zone, a vibrant music hub in Coimbatore. They also helm Voice Veena Twins, a music school and event organization that has become a beacon for aspiring musicians worldwide.
Veena Vidushi (Disciple of Smt. Ranjani Mahesh) Krishna Priya Kuppula
A Journey of Strings & Soul: The Legacy of Krishna Priya 🌸
Some lives are measured in years.
Hers is measured in notes, in ragas, in the timeless vibration of the Saraswati Veena.
Born in 1971, Krishna Priya first caressed the Veena at the tender age of eight — an innocent touch that unknowingly wove her destiny with one of India’s most sacred instruments. Under the gentle guidance of her first guru, Smt. Shubhaprada, her spark was lit early. That spark became a flame at Ghantasala Music College, Vijayawada, where she trained rigorously under Smt. Nagaratnam and Shri Komanduri Seshadri, triumphing in intercollegiate competitions and affirming her place as a rising artiste.
Yet, destiny had its pause button. In 1989, marriage and responsibilities placed her music on hold. But the soul never forgets what once set it ablaze.
In 2012, the Veena called her again — and this time, she answered with unshakable devotion. Guided by Smt. Parthasarathy and Smt. Anuradha Shrivatsan (AIR Veena artiste), she breathed new life into the strings. Alongside music, another love blossomed — Sanskrit. She completed her graduation in 2017 and post-graduation in 2020, and today, she nurtures students of all ages in spoken and written Sanskrit, keeping an ancient tongue alive.
For the past two years, Krishna Priya has been under the mentorship of Smt. Ranjani Mahesh, and more recently, the revered Phani Narayana Sir. But her greatest stage is not a concert hall — it is the classroom. Through Ranjani Mahesh Veena Classes, she now guides over 125 students across the world — from Germany to the UK, from Australia to the USA, from Sri Lanka to Malaysia.
Her generosity shines in her free Veena classes every Tuesday and Saturday, offered to passionate learners who may not otherwise have access. For her, the Veena is not a privilege — it is a right of every soul that yearns for music.
Her story is more than a personal journey.
It is about rekindling purpose, honoring tradition, and lighting the way for others. She is a bridge between generations, languages, and cultures — a woman whose fingers pluck not only strings but also hearts.
This is not just the biography of a Veena teacher.
This is the living saga of Krishna Priya — a modern-day Veena maestro whose life proves that it is never too late to return to what moves you, and in doing so, to inspire the world.
At Akshara Aradhana 2025
Judge: Vocal & Veena Competitions
Workshop Conductor: Sangeetham Workshop on 4th October
Her workshop will be an extraordinary opportunity for students to learn voice culture, stage performance, and the beauty of Carnatic singing from a performer whose journey is a living inspiration.
With her soulful artistry, vast experience, and unwavering passion, Bairavi J brings prestige and power to Akshara Aradhana – guiding the next generation of voices to rise in confidence and shine on the world stage.
Stage 3: AKSHARA ARADHANA Workshop & Grand Finale
Akshara Aradhana 2025 – Grand Music Workshops
Dates: 4th & 5th October
Venue: Sri Maha Mariamman Temple,
22A Lengkungan Sri Mersing 25, Taman Sri Andalas, 41200 Klang Selangor
A historic celebration of Music, Knowledge & Culture, proudly organized by:
Selangor Hindu Youth Council
Voice Veena Twins
Akshara Fine Arts
Workshop Details
Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
Focus: Sangeetham (Carnatic Vocal) & Veena
Worth: RM450 in value for 1 days. You will receive FREE entry (worth RM450) to a One Full-Day Workshop with world-famous artists:
i) Vocal Workshop (for singing competition registrants) conducted by Miss Bhairavi
ii) Veena Workshop (for veena competition registrants) conducted by Miss Ranjani
Special Bonus
If you register for both the Singing & Veena Competitions, you will get access to both workshops (2 full days, worth RM900) completely FREE!
Special Offers
✅ Competition Participants – FREE entry to the Music Workshop
✅ Direct Workshop Deal – If you’re not joining the competition, you can still attend at only:
RM100 for one workshop (choose either Sangeetham or Veena worth RM 450)
RM200 for both workshops (Sangeetham & Veena worth RM 900)
Limited to only 25 seats! Don’t miss this golden opportunity.
Learn directly from world-renowned artists, immerse yourself in divine music, and be part of a once-in-a-lifetime cultural journey. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from world-renowned artists and immerse yourself in the divine journey of music.
Tentative Workshop Schedule
Day 1 – Saturday (Vocal Focus)
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Participants: Vocal, Veena, Keyboard, Violin, and Flute Students
Detailed Topics:
8:00 AM – REGISTRATION
9:00 AM – Vocal warm-up and daily exercises
10:00 AM – Brigha techniques for all melodic learners
11:00 AM – Shruti and Tala foundations
12:30 PM – Lunch break
1:30 PM – Singing with expression & bhava
2:30 PM – Introduction to film song learning
4:00 PM – Q&A Session
5:00 PM – Closing Circle
Day 2 – Sunday (Veena Focus)
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Evening Certification: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Detailed Topics:
9:00 AM – Veena warm-up & speed training
10:30 AM – Gamaka practice session
11:30 AM – Playing with dynamics
12:30 PM – Lunch break
1:30 PM – Film song adaptation for Veena
3:00 PM – Laya & tala exercises, creative paltas
4:30 PM – Practical Evaluation
5:00 PM – Break
EVENING GRAND FINALE
7:00 PM – Grand Certification Ceremony
VIP Guest Welcome in
Sponsor Acknowledgements
Akshara Aradhana Singing And Veena Playing Winner
Announcement of the pool fund of RM 10,000 worth
Certificate Distribution
Closing Performance
Mementos and Vote of Thanks
Special Features
Certificates signed by renowned gurus
Featured on Akshara Fine Arts social platforms
Sponsor banners and public recognition
Free resources + QR codes for continued learning
High-quality group photos and video coverage
This program is part of Akshara Fine Arts’ mission to nurture and uplift Malaysian talents in Indian classical music through structured exposure, competitions, and hands-on workshops.