Swar Sadhana Tapovan: Where Music Blossoms in the Lap of Nature

In the tranquil village of Samanur, nestled within Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri district, a remarkable cultural and educational sanctuary has taken root amidst picturesque natural scenery. Swar Sadhana Tapovan, an initiative by acclaimed violinist Sangeeta Shankar – daughter of the illustrious violin maestro N. Rajam – provides an enriching and immersive learning environment that deeply respects tradition while thoughtfully embracing contemporary educational approaches.

The vision for this gurukul began when Sangeeta sought a peaceful, retreat-like space for her family. Instead, she stumbled upon a sprawling six-acre expanse of fertile land in Samanur, vibrant with mango orchards and brimming with potential. “I was looking for a small, cozy place. But when I came across this, I didn’t want to let go,” Sangeeta recounts. Together with her mother and a close circle of friends, the land was acquired. What started as a personal quest organically evolved into a gurukul. “This is my mother’s gurukul, and it was a natural progression for a family of musicians to transform it into a dedicated space for learning,” Sangeeta explains.

N. Rajam, an Emeritus Professor and former Dean at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), has graced stages with Hindustani violin concerts for eight decades and has devoted over four decades to music instruction. Her groundbreaking violin techniques and profound scholarship have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. Her daughter, Sangeeta, who holds a Ph.D. in Music from BHU, is also a recipient of the SNA award. Together, they embody a rich legacy of musicianship and pedagogical excellence.

Their shared aspiration for Swar Sadhana Tapovan was to cultivate an intimate setting where music education intertwined with the cultivation of aesthetic values.

Nature’s Embrace as a Classroom

The gurukul’s architectural design draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s desert camps in Jaisalmer. It features 12 inviting tents, each named after a unique raga, designed to comfortably accommodate two students. Every tent is thoughtfully equipped with cupboards, screened windows, and modern conveniences. A spacious 60-foot circular mandapam serves as an open-air classroom, where lessons unfold amidst a lush landscape dotted with mango trees and a carefully curated herbal garden. The campus also houses a beautiful temple dedicated to Neelakanteswara, consecrated in April of this year. “Its centerpiece is a sapphire shivalinga. This is truly a place where music and devotion beautifully converge,” Sangeeta shares.

One of the most heartwarming milestones in the gurukul’s journey was this year’s Guru Purnima celebrations. “Over 50 children from Samanur and nearby villages attended the event,” says Sangeeta. The celebration showcased a captivating performance by three generations of violinists: N. Rajam, joined by her daughter Sangeeta and granddaughters Ragini and Nandini. Interactive sessions were also held with renowned Carnatic musicians Mahesh Raghvan and Akshay Anantapadmanabhan. Many children, who had never before experienced a violin or tabla up close or had limited exposure to classical music, listened with deep attention and even participated in the singing. The event powerfully demonstrated the potential of community-based music education and the vital role informal spaces play in fostering cultural exchange.

Inspiring Young Minds: Sunday Classes

Every Sunday, the gurukul opens its doors to host music classes for children from Samanur, who often arrive dressed in traditional attire—boys in veshti and shirt, girls in paavadai-chattai. These classes are led by R.K. Govindarajan, former director of Vividh Bharati, All India Radio, and Doordarshan Kendra, Bengaluru. A highly trained musician himself, Govindarajan is also the son of Srirangam R. Kannan, a former music professor at BHU.

Govindarajan, who has a deep passion for teaching children, also resides in a tent on the premises. “The learning extends beyond music; children also love listening to stories,” he shares. Sangeeta adds, “We are identifying budding talents among them. But even those who may not pursue music professionally will undoubtedly develop into discerning and thoughtful listeners.”

In addition to these regular activities, the gurukul frequently hosts workshops and retreats. In December, they anticipate bringing together learners from various backgrounds for a special program. While the core education remains free, participants are encouraged to contribute towards their accommodation and meals. “The gurukul is destined to evolve into a dynamic space where cultural education seamlessly intertwines with deep community engagement, making every learning experience profoundly meaningful,” Sangeeta concludes.