Events

Talavya | Taalim Yatra NJ

9 October 2022
Our first re-instalment of the Taalim Yatra concert series in a live and physical venue, we returned with the powerful Tabla ensemble “Talavya” which is composed by Pandit Divyang Vakil and includes Rushi Vakil, Mike Lukshis, and Kaumil Shah all on Tabla, with Harmonium accompaniment by Rohan Prabhudesai. The evening was wonderfully complemented by two Kathak solos by NJ-based Jin Won and Cleveland-based Antara Datta.

Various Artists | Taalim Yatra virtual

12 June 2020
YouTube.com/TaalimSchool During the time period that we could not hold a physical event, the Taalim community gathered together in virtual spaces to continue our love and support of music and dance. During this online concert we featured Sarangi and Tabla Jugalbandhi by Vanraj Shastri and Vishal Vaghela. In addition the event featured an exciting Tabla duet by Mike Lukshis and Jin Won, as well as Kathak solo by Seema Viswanath, and Drum Set solo by Ray Belli.

Bansuri Solo | Taalim Yatra NJ

6 March 2020
IM Gallery, Highland Park, NJ Before the Covid-19 pandemic engulfed the world, we put on one more live concert under the Taalim Yatra concert series. This evening hosted a wonderful variety of performances with Jay Gandhi giving a soulful Bansuri recital accompanied on Tabla by Mike Lukshis. Hindustani vocalist Astha Shukla performed semi-classical music with accompaniment by Suresh Benegal on Harmonium and Amod Dandawate on Tabla. We also introduced budding young artists Neil Khare with his Tabla solo accompanied by Ajita Nair on Harmonium.

108 Paltas | Taalim Yatra NJ

7 February 2020
IM Gallery, Highland Park, NJ The first installment of the Taalim Yatra concert series featured a Tabla solo by Mike Lukshis which included his epic 108 Paltas of Delhi Gharana Kaida with Harmonium accompaniment by Arjun Ramakrishnan. The audience also enjoyed a Harmonium solo by the talented and budding young artist Arjun Ramakrishnan with Tabla accompaniment by Soham Chawathe. The evening was opened with a Tabla solo by Loren Oppenheimer and Harmonium accompaniment by Rahul Chawaria.

Rhythmic Freefall

22 September 2018
Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca, NY The Taalim community gathered 100 Tabla students, faculty, and performers to commune with the rhythms of nature by performing alongside a majestic waterfall in Ithaca, NY. This grand vision was originally produced by Pandit Divyang Vakil in Gujarat, India 20 years before. Through the help of countless volunteers, students, and parents we were able to recreate the event in front of hundreds of spectators and the press. See some glimpses from that day here.

Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil

Executive Board

Pandit Divyang Vakil (known as Guruji, or “respected teacher”) is a Tabla and rhythm guru renowned for his teaching excellence. In his expansive teaching career of over 43 years, he has produced innumerable music professionals.

After performing for many years with stalwarts of Indian classical music and dance, he gave up his performing career to dedicate himself to his teaching and spiritual commitments. Currently Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil is conducting extensive rhythm training for Kathak dancers across the globe. His Taalvidya programs for Kathak dancers aim at providing a deeper understanding of the rhythmic patterns around which the artform revolves, giving an insight into the fundamental structure of the art which opens up many new possibilities for an artist to explore.