ABOUT

Mission Statement of Sashruta: At Sashruta, we believe that Indian Classical Music is not merely an art form but the voice of eternity, connecting the soul to the divine. Founded in 2016 by Sri Subir De in memory of his uncle, the Late Sri Chandrakanta Dey, Sashruta is devoted to nurturing and promoting Indian classical music, carrying forward the rich legacies of the Gharana system (School of Music). Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of talented artists while honoring the traditions that have inspired generations of musicians. Guided by the teachings of the legendary maestros, Sashruta seeks to create an immersive space where music becomes a pathway to spiritual enlightenment and cultural preservation. Our concerts and workshops are platforms where young and seasoned artists alike can showcase their talents, while audiences are invited to experience the timeless beauty of this sacred music. Founding Inspiration: Sashruta was founded in memory of the Late Sri Chandrakanta Dey, an acclaimed sitarist of the last century and disciple of Pt. Benjamin Gomes of the Imdadkhani Gharana. His passion for music left a profound influence on his nephew, Sri Subir De, who established ‘Sashruta’ to continue this lineage of devotion to music, deeply inspired by Pandit Samarendra Nath Sikdar. Sri Subir De, a sitarist and disciple of Sangeetacharya Pandit Radhika Mohan Maitra and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, has dedicated his life to teaching, performing, and promoting Indian classical music and also served the Indian National Banking Service. His children, Shruti and Saswata, continue this legacy with their deep-rooted training in sarod and sitar respectively along with practicing vocal and percussion. A Family's Dedication: Sashruta is a reflection of the musical journey of the De family. Sri Subir De’s wife, Smt. Saswati De is a gifted classical vocalist and Rabindrasangeet exponent, and their children, Shruti and Saswata, have inherited this rich musical legacy. Shruti, named by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, has been practicing the sarod since she was four, while Saswata is a young mellifluous sitarist. Together, they strive to carry forward the flag of Indian Classical Music with the same devotion that inspired their family for generations. A Tribute to Sri Swapan Dey, Founding Member of Sashruta: Sri Swapan Dey, the elder brother of Sri Subir, was a guiding light in the foundation of Sashruta. A scholar of Indian art, history, science, and philosophy, and a director at ICWA, Sri Swapan Dey was deeply passionate about music and dedicated his life to spiritual pursuits. His sudden passing on February 24th, 2020, left a void in the hearts of all who knew him. In his honor, Sashruta remains committed to its foremost agenda: promoting young and senior artists alike, with a special emphasis on nurturing young talent, which was close to Sri Swapan's heart. Through our concerts and programs, we pay tribute to memories of legendary artists and invite all music lovers to join us on this journey, where the soul of Indian Classical Music continues to inspire and transcend boundaries. **Sashruta's Concert Journey:** Since its inception in 2016, Sashruta has been dedicated to showcasing both emerging talents and seasoned masters of Indian Classical Music. The first concert featured an ensemble of young artists alongside veteran musicians, setting the tone for Sashruta's mission of promoting musical heritage across generations. In 2018, Sashruta had the honor of felicitating Pt. Samarendra Nath Sikdar, the leading exponent of the Shahjahanpur Gharana, in recognition of his immense contribution to Indian classical music. This event became a milestone in Sashruta's efforts to celebrate and preserve traditional music while inspiring the next generation of musicians. The 2019 annual concert brought fresh talents to the forefront, with numerous new artists taking the stage. Their performances were a testament to Sashruta's commitment to nurturing upcoming musicians and providing them with a platform to share their art. During the challenging period from 2020 to 2022, Sashruta adapted to the global pandemic by organizing a series of online concerts and lecture series through its social handles. These events were not only a source of artistic expression but also greatly supported the well-being of Sashruta's followers. True to the teachings of the Natyashastra, which encompasses geet (song), vadyam (instrumental music), nrityam (dance), and sangeetam (the combined art), Sashruta offered a full spectrum of artistic exposure during this time, embracing various forms of performance to keep the musical community engaged. In 2023, Sashruta's annual concert was held in the sacred city of Varanasi, where several renowned and senior artists paid their tributes through their art, making it a deeply spiritual and culturally enriching event. This concert marked the return of in-person performances and reaffirmed Sashruta’s commitment to promoting Indian classical music on larger platforms. Looking ahead, Sashruta is embarking simultaneously on a new initiative by launching an interview series with legendary artists and musicologists. This project aims to document and preserve the vast knowledge and insights of Indian Classical Music, creating a valuable archive for future generations. Through these interviews, Sashruta continues to fulfil its vision of being a custodian of India’s musical heritage.