Smt. Lavanya Mahadevan (Choreography & Nattuvangam/ Conductor)
Lavanya Mahadevan is a dedicated and accomplished teacher of Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, with over 17 years of teaching experience. She received her Bharatanatyam training under Smt. Ratnam Janardhanan and pursued Carnatic vocal music under the guidance of the late Smt. Rajeswari Neelakanthan, an A-grade All India Radio artist from Trichy.
Lavanya holds a Master’s degree in Bharatanatyam, is a recipient of the National Scholarship in Music, and has earned a diploma in Carnatic music. As a performer, she has presented her art at several prestigious festivals in India, including the Kalidas Mohotsav, Konark Dance Festival, and the Navaratri festivals at Guruvayur Temple and Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple.
In 2008, she founded the Kala Aradhana Dance and Music Academy in New Jersey with the vision of nurturing young talent and preserving the rich traditions of Indian classical arts. Her students actively participate in temple events, competitions, and renowned cultural platforms such as the Cleveland Thyagaraja Utsavam.
Smt Manjula Ramachandran (Vocalist)
Manjula Ramachandran is an accomplished Vainika and Carnatic vocalist, recognized as a Graded Artist of All India Radio in both Vocal and Veena. She graduated with state honors from the prestigious Sri Swathi Thirunal Music Academy.
Over the years, she has received numerous accolades, including the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy award, honors from the All India Radio National Music Competition, as well as scholarships from CCRT and the Department of Culture. As a performer, she has presented concerts extensively across India and the United States, including at the renowned Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana.
Alongside her musical career, her work in New Jersey public schools has provided opportunities to publish music books and educational compositions. Her musical works have been featured in public school performances and music educators’ conferences across the United States. She currently teaches Carnatic music to a select group of students in New Jersey.
Shri Murali Balachandran (Mridangam)
Murali Balachandran comes from a distinguished family of dancers and musicians. He received his Mridangam training under his father, Dr. C.G. Balachandran, and was introduced to Bharatanatyam by his mother, Smt. Usha.
A versatile and accomplished percussionist, Murali is proficient in several traditional Indian percussion instruments including the mridangam, kanjera, tabla, ghatam, and morsing. His performances have taken him across the globe, including appearances in New Zealand, Canada, and Indonesia. He has also performed on Broadway and at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center, American Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Based in New York City, Murali has accompanied several renowned musicians and dancers, including Adayar Lakshman, Ramli Ibrahim, Shobana, Trichur Ramachandran, Kamala Lakshmi Narayanan, and K. J. Yesudas.
Smt.Radhika Devrajan (Violin)
Smt Radhika Devrajan established a strong foundation in Carnatic violin under the tutelage of Sri S V Ramachandran in Mumbai. She further honed her artistry through dedicated study with Padma Shri A Kanyakumari and Sri Vittal Ramamoorthy. She also underwent rigorous training with vainika & vocalist Prof R Subalaxmi and Smt Kalyani Ramani and currently pursuing with Smt. Sangeetha Swaminathan. This rich and diverse mentorship has enabled Radhika to cultivate a distinctive and compelling violin style. Her musical journey spans performances as both a soloist and accompanist at prominent Carnatic music concerts and dance arangetrams in India and the U.S.
Driven by an unwavering passion for Carnatic music, Radhika founded Swaradhika, a testament to her commitment to musical education and performance. For two decades, her meticulously structured, authentic, and traditional teaching methods have empowered over 500 students at New Jersey's largest and most widely recognized Carnatic violin school.