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Manollasini Inc.

A Collective Rooted in Culture, Built by Community
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Manollasini, Inc., also known as the Manollasini Cultural Collective, was born from the belief that the power of classical arts transcends time, language, and borders. Founded by Manasa Khandrika, the Collective grew from her foundational work with Saraswathi Sangeetha Kalakshetra (SSK) into the nonprofit platform Manollasini, which nurtures talent, celebrates cultural collaboration, and brings communities together through Indian music, dance, and artistic expression.

Our Journey

2024 – 2025 
2023 - 2024
2022 - 2023
2021 -2022
2020 - 2021
2019 - 2020
2018 - 2019
2017 - 2018
2016 - 2017
2015 - 2016
2014 - 2015
August 8, 2025
A New Era Begins
This journey — from a small music class in Millburn to a global creative platform — culminated on August 8, 2025, with the official launch of Manollasini, Inc. as a nonprofit cultural collective. With a dynamic board, a decade of achievements, and a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and artistic excellence, Manollasini now steps boldly into its next era — carrying forward the legacy of Indian classical music while embracing the endless possibilities of the future.
Recognition, Resonance & New Horizons
2024–2025 was a year of recognition and resonance. Students shone at competitions like KANJ, winning top Carnatic prizes, while Manasa received the TFAS Ugadi Puraskaram for her contributions to classical arts. Raga Ragini Vaditra returned with a bold fusion of Amir Khusrau’s “Sakal Ban” and Oothukadu Venkata Kavi’s “Alaipayuthey”, bringing together Carnatic vocals, Kathak and Bharatanatyam dancers, and a hybrid ensemble of Indian and Western instruments. The season closed with cross-genre performances alongside Basement BeatsMC and Cutting Chai NJ, proving that classical training can enrich every style.

 
Raga Ragini Vaditra Takes Flight
The vision of blending traditions and forms took full shape in 2023–2024 with the creation of Raga Ragini Vaditra — a live ensemble uniting music and dance, classical roots and folk heritage. The inaugural “Ghoomar” project involved children, adults, and guest musicians from Juilliard and the University of Michigan, weaving saxophone, violin, and Western harmonies into Indian folk tradition. Local dancers added original choreography, making Manollasini Studios a creative epicenter.
Fusion, Patriotism & Collaboration
In 2022–2023, SSK students submitted Annamacharya Sankeerthanas to the global Annamayya Padayagynam, earning recognition across age groups. Manollasini Productions also introduced Bhakti Ranjani, a devotional music series that fostered collaboration with TSNPAC percussion students, enriching the quality and scope of youth music productions. This year also saw an exciting leap into fusion with Indian Film Contemporary Music (IFCM) and the birth of the Bolly-Tolly-Knolly-Woods concept, blending Carnatic foundations with Western instruments. The patriotic wing, Bharat Ke Geet, debuted with a moving performance for India’s Independence Day at MSHDC, NJ.
Lights, Camera, Carnatic!
The seeds sown during the pandemic blossomed in 2021–2022 with the launch of Manollasini Productions. The first in-house Carnatic music video for Mahashivaratri 2022 brought new energy — from costume planning and backdrop décor to seeing performances on the Manollasini YouTube channel, students embraced a professional production experience that expanded their artistic horizons and audience reach.
Global Classrooms, Shared Joy
In 2020–2021, SSK doubled down on its mission with online classes and the digital concert Sangeetha Tharangini 2020 via Zoom. This format not only connected students to their art but also allowed families across the globe to watch and celebrate — proving that even masked faces could not hide the joy of music.
Keeping the Music Alive in Crisis
Then came 2019–2020, a year that tested the world. During the pandemic’s uncertainty, Manasa launched Manollasini, a virtual performance platform to keep music flowing and spirits high. Students performed online, participated in Sri Ramabhakti Samrajyam and IMPL, and proved that devotion and community could thrive even when physically apart.
Uniting Music & Dance
In 2018–2019, SSK partnered with S Cube TV for a landmark media collaboration during the Sri Annamacharya Sankeerthanotsavam in Bridgewater, NJ — uniting classical music and dance schools in a shared celebration. This period closed with a standout performance at Shruti Laya’s Pre-Trinity Compositions Day, where SSK’s young artists impressed audiences with their maturity, confidence, and devotional depth.
Engaging Community, Winning Hearts
2017–2018 was a year of community engagement and achievement. SSK collaborated with Nadasudha for Carnatic Mela, taking on media production, children’s programming, and volunteer coordination. At the TFAS Deepavali Sambarallu cultural competitions, students won top prizes in the classical Carnatic category, earning accolades for their artistry and dedication.
Deepening Devotion
From 2016–2017, SSK deepened its devotional roots with performances at Brahmotsavam and the Sri Bhadrachala Ramadasu Sankeertanotsavam, and showcased rare gems during Tyagaraja Sishya Parampara Day. These moments cemented SSK’s reputation for authenticity, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence.
Stepping onto Prestigious Stages
By 2015–2016, SSK expanded into choral and collaborative productions, joining forces with Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran for the grand choral work Åšiva and taking the stage at the prestigious Sri Annamacharya Sankeerthanotsavam in New York, which earned TV9 media coverage. That same year, Manasa served as a regional coordinator for the Epic Choir at the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival, marking SSK’s entry into one of North America’s most esteemed Indian classical platforms.
Building Cultural Bridges
2014–2015 brought SSK’s first Trinity Day Celebration, honoring Carnatic legends Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri. Word of mouth quickly transformed SSK into a vibrant hub, with students performing Annamacharya Sankeerthanas at temples across New Jersey and New York, building cultural bridges and confidence in equal measure.
2013 - 2014
Planting the Seed of Tradition
In 2013, Manasa Khandrika planted a seed of cultural passion in Millburn, New Jersey, founding Saraswathi Sangeetha Kalakshetra (SSK) — a grassroots Carnatic vocal school dedicated to preserving Indian classical heritage while nurturing students of all ages. With structured, progressive training and a vision rooted in devotion, the school’s first recital during the Navaratri festival featured a vibrant Golu display and heartfelt performances, quietly marking the beginning of a tradition that would grow into a movement.
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