Neeharika Deraje Enthrals Audience at 8th Baithak with Hindustani Vocal Recital
Mangaluru: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Mangaluru Chapter and Art Kanara Trust organised the eighth edition of Baithak@Kodialguthu in the Musical Heritage of Karnataka series with a Hindustani vocal recital by Neeharika Deraje on Saturday, August 29, at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art & Culture, Ballalbagh.
Neeharika was accompanied by Shrivathsa Sharma on tabla, Medha G. Bhat on harmonium and Samveda G. Bhat on tanpura.
The programme began with an introduction by Subhas Basu, Convener of the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter. Welcoming the audience, he said, “We are pleased to resume the Baithak after a long gap and present the young talent Neeharika Deraje.”
Sharvani Bhat, a member of INTACH, introduced the artists, following which they were felicitated. Former MLC Capt. Ganesh Karnik and Dr Anurag Bhargava, Professor at KMC Mangaluru, were among the dignitaries who attended the concert.
A disciple of Pt. Ravikiran Manipal for over 12 years, Neeharika opened the recital with Raag Puriya Dhanashree, presenting Sooraj Doob Gayori in Vilambit Khayal, followed by Mora Mora Ree and Tori Jai Jaikartar in Drut Khayal. She then presented Jai Jai Jai Durge Mata, Neeko Lage Maa Darsan and a Tarana in Raag Durga.
The recital continued with devotional compositions, including the Kabir bhajans Ram Niranjan Nyara Re and Ghat Ghat Me Panchi Bolta, the Bengali bhajan Bhubhano Mohini, the Vachana Nudidare Muttina Hara and Purandara Dasa’s Ee Pariya Sobagu.
Born into a family of artists, Neeharika’s parents, Bharavi Deraje and Yashaswini Deraje, introduced her to music. She has received scholarships from Sursagar, Bengaluru, and the Karnataka Sangeeta Nrithya Academy and has won several music competitions.
She was a finalist in Passion 2021, conducted by Suranjan Trust, Mumbai; secured first place in the State-level Classical Vocal Competition; and represented Karnataka at the national-level Kala Utsav 2024. She also won first place in the State-level Pratibha Karanji competition in Ghazal Singing.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Deekshith R. Pai, a member of the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter.