The Guru-Shishya Tradition

Founded by the visionary Dr. Ashok Gurjale, Aarabhi is dedicated to the promotion of Indian Classical Music through the sacred Guru-Shishya tradition. It runs under the aegis of Guru Parampara Foundation. Our institute serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern artistic expression.

We believe in the power of music to transform lives. Following the sacred Guru-Shishya tradition, we nurture students from ages 6 to 60, providing an environment where discipline meets passion. Our curriculum is designed to not only teach the technicalities of the violin but also to instill a deep love for the cultural roots of Indian music.

"Music is the language of the soul, and the violin is its most expressive voice."
— Ashok Gurjale, Founder
Ashok Gurjale - Founder of Aarabhi

Dr. Ashok G Gurjale

‘Datta Bandhu’ | ‘Kalaratna’
Music Director & Violinist

My Music Journey

This is to introduce myself as a leading and senior violinist from Hyderabad, and Founder Director of Aarabhi - The Centre for Performing Arts. Aarabhi is the only institution of its kind in India, especially promoting Indian Classical Music (Carnatic) Instrumental in Hyderabad for the last 28 years. I have specialized in composing, conceptualizing, and conducting Indian Classical Symphony, with 162 musicians.

Indian Classical Music is supposed to be one of the toughest music and children of age group 8 - 25 yrs playing violin in a symphony makes Aarabhi a unique institution. Aarabhi, a temple of music and a wonderland of notes where children beguile the muse with a magic born of Bows and Strings.

In Aarabhi, we nurture a system of teaching Indian Classical Music, which combines theory with practice, tradition with experiments, discipline with impulse, and finally, solemnity with playfulness.

Aarabhi has trained 2500+ students and performed more than 1500 live concerts specialized in Indian Classical Symphony with their students and self, won accolades, kudos, appreciation from the public and press. I have been specially invited by European Telugu Association - Birmingham in 2003 with 13 kids, for their ETA Diwali celebrations, and performed at England.

I was a special Invitee to perform solo concert at Cupertino - CA - USA on 6th of October 2012 on Invitation from SILICON ANDHRA ASSOCIATION - SUNNYVALE - CA.

I was invited by North American Telugu Society (NATS) to conduct symphony “Nadamruthavarshini” with 45 American born Indian children on 05th July 2013 at IRVING CONVENTION CENTER, DALLAS, TEXAS, USA on the occasion of Telugu Sambaralu. Children were trained in three weeks on music composed by me and on different instruments including Flute, Keyboard, Saxophone, Violin, Guitar, Cello, Double Bass, Trumpet, Oboe, Veena, Sitar.

I also toured and performed with 16 students in USA - 6 States - Chicago, Newyork, New Jersey, Virginia, Dallas and California during July and August 2019.

Experience

  • 50+ years of performing experience.
  • Accomplished Leading Classical & Western violinist.
  • Solo & group violinist in the film industry.
  • Master Teacher for the last 28 years +.
  • Expertise in Indian classical Symphony.
  • Trained more than 2500+ students in Violin across the globe.
  • Performed 1500+ Live concerts.
  • Expertise in Music composition for Dance Ballets.
  • Music Director for few Movies.
  • Composed title song for Dance theme for Inauguration of ShilpaKalaVedika - Hyderabad.

Professional Achievements

  • Received “Datta Bandhu” award from Parama Pujya Sri Sri Sri Dr.Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji.
  • Received Honorary Doctorate from Thames University, France in 2023.
  • Announced title “Violina Vyasa Guru” by Sri PRC Sharma and Padma Shri Dr. Yella Venkateswara Rao.
  • Consecutively performed at Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Dundigal on the occasion of Ugadi every year for the past 20+ years.
  • Awarded “Kala Ratna” – the State Honour by Government of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Toured across the length and breadth of United States accompanied by 26 young students of Aarabhi the center for Performing Arts.
  • India Book of Records holder by setting a record in “Most Violins played Carnatic Classical Symphony” category.
  • Received “Vishwa Bharati Puraskar” for outstanding services in Indian Classical Music by Delhi Telugu Academy.
  • My composition Swaramadhuri has won a national award for “BestMusic” by Doordarshan in 2001. This piece has been selected for archives.
  • I have been awarded the title “PARAGON OF VIOLIN” by Chaitanya Arts, Hyderabad.
  • I have been awarded “VIOLIN VADYA VIDYA VISHARADA” by Violin Maestro Sri Annavarapu Ramaswamy garu and Padma Bhushan Dr NookalaChina Satyanarayana garu.
  • Visiting Faculty for CENTRE FOR CULTURAL RESOURCES AND TRAINING (CCRT) and have been conducting workshops on “Unity in Diversity” for last eight years.
  • Conducted 100-violin concert 6 times and a symphony with 162 artists at the Statue of Equality, Muchintal, in the presence of His Holiness Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.

Eminent Personalities & Mentors

Aarabhi has been privileged to receive constant support and guidance from some of the most respected names in the field of Indian Arts and Administration.

Anand Mohan

Anand Mohan

A distinguished patron of the arts, his guidance has been instrumental in shaping the institute's vision.

NC Murthy

NC Murthy

Providing strategic administrative leadership and fostering cultural exchange.

Sri PRC Sharma

Sri PRC Sharma

He is a Mridangam Vidhwan who has been the backbone of Aarabhi for the past 28 years since the inception of Aarabhi and has been supporting in all the concerts.