Yuva Sur Surtaj 2024 for discovering latent talent in Hindustani Classical Music

Team L&M

Dedhia Music Foundation (DMF), a non-profit organisation founded by Aatish Dedhia, CEO of Zycus and dedicated towards promoting and preserving Hindustani Classical Music, introduces Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024. This is a first of its kind talent hunt to discover young talent in Hindustani Classical Music and aims to nurture emerging Hindustani classical vocalists by providing them with mentorship and a stage for growth and recognition.

With revered names in Indian Classical Music like Kaushiki Chakraborty (well-known Hindustani classical vocalist of the Patiala Gharana), Rahul Deshpande and Sanjeev Abhyankar joining the judges panel, Yuva Sur Sartaj will be an exhilarating experience for Hindustani classical singers, to not only showcase their skills but also gain invaluable exposure. In fact, the shortlisted participants will also receive mentorship support, further strengthening Dedhia Music Foundation’s unwavering commitment to foster a rich musical heritage in India and preserve this timeless art for generations to come.

Says Dedhia, “In an age in which most talent shows focus on western music, we at Dedhia Music Foundation want to nurture young minds in our country’s rich musical heritage. Through Yuva Sur Sartaj we want to bring the focus back to the beauty and depth of Hindustani Classical Music and encourage the youth to continue to dedicate themselves to the art.”

The competition will be divided into three stages – Call for Entries, Virtual Audition and finally the Grand Finale at Nehru Auditorium in Mumbai on October 15, 2024, which will also be live-streamed across all social media channels. The call for entries is currently open on Yuva Sur Sartaj and interested participants can register on the website.

“It is a beautiful initiative by Dedhia Music Foundation to preserve and celebrate India’s rich musical heritage. I am incredibly proud to be part of this and hope to inspire the younger generations to embrace, learn, and grow in this beautiful tradition and cultivate a profound connection with our rich musical legacy,” says Chakraborty.

Winners of Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024 will not only receive cash prizes, but also financial support to continue their classical vocal training and mentorship. There will be three prizes in each age group, 15-22 years and 23-30 years. While the winner will receive ₹1,50,000 along with an additional ₹1,50,000 for mentorship, the 1st runner up will receive ₹1,00,000 plus ₹1,00,000 for mentorship, and finally the 2nd runner up will receive ₹50,000 plus ₹50,000 for mentorship.

Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya is partnering as the official music institute partner for Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024.