About us
Gurukul Geetanjali is a premier institute dedicated to preserving and promoting Hindustani Classical Music through the sacred Guru-Shishya Parampara, fostering excellence, discipline, and a deep connection to India’s rich musical heritage.
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Gurukul Geetanjali
- Foundation Date: Gurukul Geetanjali was established in 1986 and officially registered on 12th September 2006.
- Founder: Pandit Dr. Chitta Ranjan Pani, Classical Music Maestro
- Motto: Spreading the goodness of Hindustani Classical Music in society.
The Lineage of Guru Shishya Parampara
The institute’s Guru Shishya Parampara traces its roots to:
- Pt. Bishnu Digambar Paluskar
- Pt. Omkarnath Thakur (Pranav Rang)
- Naad Maharshi Padmashree Pt. Balwant Rai Bhatt (Bhav Rang)
- Pt. Dr. Damodar Hota (Swar Rang)
- Pt. Dr. Chitta Ranjan Pani (Naada Rang)
Even before 2006, the founder, Pandit Dr. Chittaranjan Pani, was recognized as one of the finest classical vocalists and teachers in the country. He also extended free training to financially and physically challenged disciples, helping them achieve social recognition. Many such students are now well-established in national and international musical arenas.
Dr. Pani strongly believes that helping the needy provides soul satisfaction and peace.
Pandit Dr. Chittaranjan Pani was inspired by Raag-based Bollywood songs sung by Mohammad Rafi and Manna Dey. Encouraged by his father, an Ayurvedic doctor with a passion for music, Dr. Pani pursued music as a profession, unlike his siblings, who treated it as a hobby.
He began his training in Hindustani Classical Vocal under the legendary maestro Pandit Dr. Damodar Hota. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, he was advised by his Guru to stay in Odisha and work toward developing Hindustani Classical Music in the state.
Dr. Pani served as the Head of the Department of Music at BJB College, Bhubaneswar, where he mentored many disciples. As a performer, he captivated audiences nationwide and gained recognition at prestigious music festivals.
He has contributed significantly to music literature with his books:
- Bharatiya Sangeet ra Khayal Saili (Theory)
- Sangeet Kaibalya Vol. 1 (Practical)
Dr. Pani believes a guru achieves immortality through the Gayaki (style) of their disciples, considering it the highest form of Guru Dakshina.
He has received numerous awards, including:
- Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Senior Fellowship by Govt. of India
- Rajdhani Gourav Samman
- Balakrushna Dash Samman
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan Samman
- Prananath Samman
He is also an empanelled artist of EZCC and ICCR
Cultivating Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
Emphasis on
Sadhana
Sadhana (self-practice) is at the heart of musical training. Students are encouraged to engage in disciplined practice, fostering self-growth and a deeper connection with their art.
Upholding Musical Legacy
The institute instills in every student a responsibility to honor and carry forward the timeless legacy of Hindustani Classical Music for future generations.
Holistic Growth Approach
Dr. Pani aims to nurture not just musical talent but also personal character. Through his mentorship, students develop a harmonious balance of artistic and life skills.
Gurushree Aurosish Pani
Gurushree Aurosish Pani, born on 30th September 1989, is the son of Hindustani Classical Vocal Maestro Pandit Dr. Chittaranjan Pani and poet Smt. Geetanjali Pani. Raised in a musical family, music came naturally to him, and he has been guided by his father and other maestros such as Pandit Dr. Damodar Hota, Pandit Dr. Chittaranjan Jyotishi, and Padmashree Pandit Balwant Rai Bhatt.
Education
- Master’s in Hindustani Vocal Music from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh
- Sangeet Visharad from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Mumbai
- Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from GITA College, Odisha
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Hindustani Classical Music from Lovely Professional University, Punjab
Aurosish left a five-year career as a Senior Software Engineer at Infosys to dedicate himself to music. Currently, he is a Hindustani Vocal Trainer at Gurukul Geetanjali.
Achievements
- “Classical Voice of Odisha” (2017)
- Represented Odisha at the National “Classical Voice of India” competition (2017)
- “Most Special Performance” at Swaramaayee Gurukul’s National Competition (2019)
- Lion’s Idol Award (2010)
- Top 8 contestant in “Voice of Odisha” (Season 1)
- Top 100 contestant in Zee TV’s “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” (2010)
Workshops & Awareness Campaigns
Aurosish organizes workshops and concerts to spread awareness of Hindustani Classical Music. Popular topics include:
- The impact of Classical Music on society
- Vocal culture and improvement techniques
- Riyaaz (practice) – Its importance and methods
- Applied forms of Classical Music: Bhajans, Ghazals, Thumris, and Sufi songs
- Relationship between Bollywood music and Classical Music
Even before 2006, the founder, Pandit Dr. Chittaranjan Pani, was recognized as one of the finest classical vocalists and teachers in the country. He also extended free training to financially and physically challenged disciples, helping them achieve social recognition. Many such students are now well-established in national and international musical arenas.
Dr. Pani strongly believes that helping the needy provides soul satisfaction and peace.
Pandit Dr. Chittaranjan Pani was inspired by Raag-based Bollywood songs sung by Mohammad Rafi and Manna Dey. Encouraged by his father, an Ayurvedic doctor with a passion for music, Dr. Pani pursued music as a profession, unlike his siblings, who treated it as a hobby.
He began his training in Hindustani Classical Vocal under the legendary maestro Pandit Dr. Damodar Hota. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, he was advised by his Guru to stay in Odisha and work toward developing Hindustani Classical Music in the state.
Our Team
Madhulita Parida
Treasurer
She is hindustani shastriya sangeet Bisharad and A graded artist of Doordarshan and All india radio. She is also well known for her odishi sangeet rendition, geet, ghazal and playback songs. Along with being a Hindustani classical vocalist, she’s also a trainer of Hindustani music at Gurukul Geetanjali for the last decade.
Arya Mishra
Joint secretary
Despite hailing from science background, She is hindustani shastriya sangeet Bisharad and A graded artist of Doordarshan and All india radio. Along with being a Hindustani classical vocalist, she’s also a trainer of Hindustani music at Gurukul Geetanjali for the last decade.
Manoj Das
Secretary
A well known composer and singer in the music industry, Shri Manoj Das is a also a trainer of Hijdustani music and other genres of music.
Ratnakar Prusty
Executive Member
A very well known and popular tabla player of Odisha who works as an accompanist as well as a performing artist and a guru.
Nabin Behera
Assistant Secretary
One of the oldest alumni of Gurukul Geetanjali, Shri Naveen Behera is a very well trained performer of Hindustani classical music who teaches the disciples of Gurukul Geetanjali
Abhishek Purohit
Executive Member
One of the very talented young faculties of Gurukul geetanjali. a hard working and dedicated soul towards Hindustani Classical vocal music.
Aswini Kumar Mohanty
Organising Secretary
Shri Mohanty is one of the dignitaries of Tata steel and is a passionate singer and an ardent lover of Hindustani Classical music.