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Advisory Board
The Manollasini Cultural Collective is supported by an esteemed Advisory Board that brings wisdom, experience, and creativity to our mission of celebrating and sustaining Indian classical and contemporary arts. Our advisors include distinguished artists, educators, cultural ambassadors, and community leaders who share a passion for nurturing the next generation of talent.
With their diverse perspectives and deep expertise, the Advisory Board provides strategic guidance, mentorship, and inspiration that help strengthen Manollasini’s programs — from Bala Tarang, Yuva Tarang to Vishesh Tarang, Bhakti Tarang, BTK-Woods and Raga Ragini Vaditra (RRV) ensemble. Their insights ensure our initiatives remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful while expanding opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.
Together, these advisors play a vital role in shaping Manollasini’s vision, fostering partnerships, and ensuring long-term cultural and community impact.
Learn more about the advisors whose commitment and counsel help make our journey possible.
Shri T.S Nandakumar
Mridangam Maestro, Guru and Cultural Torchbearer
Guru Shri T. S. Nandakumar is a distinguished mridangam maestro, celebrated for his versatility and artistry. Trained under Guru Kaithavana Madhavadas, he has performed alongside legendary musicians including Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Bhimsen Joshi, M. Balamuralikrishna, N. Rajam, T.N. Krishnan, and K.J. Yesudas.
Beyond the stage, Guru Nandakumar is a passionate teacher who has mentored thousands of students worldwide. His contributions include acclaimed recordings such as Jewels of Rhythm and Vibrative Rhythms, as well as pioneering textbooks — Roots of Mridangam, Intricacies of Mridangam, and Ultimate Koruvais — that continue to shape the pedagogy of percussion.
In 1998, he founded TSN’s Percussive Arts Centre (TSNPAC), now a thriving institution in New Jersey dedicated to nurturing Carnatic percussion, presenting Tyagaraja festivals, concerts, and chamber performances that bring together masters and the next generation of artists.For his lifetime of achievement and dedication, Guru Nandakumar has been honored with numerous titles and awards, including the Gurushikhamani, SwaraSadhana Ratna, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Shanti Foundation, the Visionary Award from the Academy of Indian Music, and commendations from the State of New Jersey.
Vidwan K.N. Shashikiran
Carnatic Visionary, Vocal Virtuoso, and Cultural Innovator
Guru Shri K.N. Shashikiran is a renowned Carnatic vocalist, guru, composer, entrepreneur, author, and visionary, with over 6,000 concerts worldwide including solo, duet, jugalbandi, Carnatic jazz, and thematic presentations. Discovered as a child prodigy at the age of two, he stunned audiences with his ability to identify ragas, talas, and answer intricate musical questions. Today, he is celebrated globally for blending classical tradition with innovation.
A pioneer in music technology and curation, Shashikiran produced the world’s first CD-ROM and VCD on Carnatic music and introduced landmark concepts such as the Carnatic Symphony, Bharat Sangeet Utsav, and Pallavi Darbar. Alongside his cousin Chitravina P. Ganesh as the acclaimed Carnatica Brothers, he set a record with a 24-hour marathon concert for world peace, featured in the Limca Book of Records. He is also the Founder of Carnatica Global, through which he has organized nearly 8,000 performances and curated over 250 festivals and events worldwide.
A sought-after teacher with more than 3,500 students, Shashikiran has mentored Carnatic musicians, playback singers, and aspiring artists. His contributions as an author, columnist, and social worker reflect his commitment beyond the stage, supporting causes from disaster relief to community welfare. His many honors include the Kalaimamani Award, Sangita Kalasagaram from the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival, and the Inspiring Human award from the International Book of Records.
Guru Pandita Archana Joglekar
Kathak Luminary, Graceful Storyteller, and Heritage Custodian.
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Guru Smt. Archana Joglekar is an acclaimed Kathak exponent, choreographer, actor, writer, director, producer, and cultural ambassador whose journey bridges India’s classical heritage and the global stage. A celebrated artist, she has performed at prestigious national festivals and represented India at international platforms, including a special performance in Reykjavik, Iceland, before the President of Iceland.
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An accomplished film and television personality, she co-starred with legends such as Rajinikanth, NTR Sr., Aamir Khan, Rekha, and Govinda. Since 1999, Archana has championed the preservation of Indian classical arts in the U.S., founding Archana Nrityalaya, a premier Kathak academy, and Madhyam, a nonprofit organization promoting classical music and dance.
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Through Madhyam’s flagship events — Gandharva Festival, Bal-Gandharva, Rhythm of Life, and Yuva Kalakar Festival — she has brought legendary maestros to U.S. audiences and inspired thousands of students. She also established the Samved Conservatory of Indian Classical Music & Dance, a structured examination board nurturing young artists nationwide.
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Archana’s selfless cultural service has earned her numerous honors, including recognition from the New Jersey Democratic Party and the Consulate General of India in New York. A visionary guru and artistic leader, she continues to empower future generations with the timeless beauty of Kathak and Indian classical arts.
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