TRAININGS AND OPPORTUNITIES
TRAININGS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Rishal Music Trust is dedicated to ensuring a consistent and progressive promotion of Indian music through its dynamic and incomparable panel of patrons and artists.
We, at Rishal Music Trust keep our collective focus and constantly strive towards the highest level of excellence in our efforts to provide intense training with a blend of traditional Guru Shishya Parampara style and modern approach for better and sustainable development in all aspiring students.
We have trained some of the very talented and promising young students who have managed to create a good name in this respective field of performing arts and, we take pride in providing them a fruitful platform.
Rishal Music Trust continues its mission to promote and support the talented and deserving artists along with upcoming generation in the field of Indian music.
We aim to create a strong platform and provide wide range of opportunities for all our students and develop deep learning skills and, motivate the youth to take interest in the field of Indian music.
Pt. Rajendra Prasanna's Legacy
Rajesh Prasanna
Rajesh Prasanna, a renowned Indian flautist and a Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar National Awardee, is celebrated for carrying forward the rich legacy of Banaras Gharana and the Prasanna family, known for its mastery of the bansuri. Trained under his illustrious father, the legendary flautist Pandit Rajendra Prasanna, he has carved a niche with his soulful performances across India and abroad. His music seamlessly blends classical tradition with contemporary sensibilities, enchanting audiences at prestigious festivals and cultural platforms worldwide. Deeply rooted in Indian classical heritage, Rajesh continues to inspire the next generation of musicians through his artistry and dedication.
Rishab Prasanna
Rishab Prasanna, one of India’s leading bansuri (bamboo flute) players, is acclaimed for his artistry, expressive depth, and refined technique. Hailing from Varanasi’s illustrious Prasanna Gharana, he represents a lineage pioneered by his grandfather Pandit Raghunath Prasanna and carried forward by his father, Pandit Rajendra Prasanna. A recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (Sangeet Natak Akademi, 2021) and Ambassador of Toulouse, France (2016), Rishab has performed at premier venues worldwide including Philharmonie de Paris, Sydney Opera House, and WOMAD. A composer, collaborator, and educator, he continues to expand the bansuri’s presence globally through concerts, projects, and masterclasses.
Ritesh Prasanna
Ritesh Prasanna, a distinguished flautist from the illustrious musical family of Varanasi, represents the new generation of the Banaras Gharana. Trained under his father, Pt. Rajendra Prasanna, and his grandfather, Pt. Raghunath Prasanna, Ritesh has mastered the art of flute with the Gayaki Ang style, known for its melodic depth and precision. A recipient of the Surmani Award and Sangeet Sadhak Samman, he has performed globally across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, including prestigious venues like the Philharmonie de Paris and World Economic Forum, carrying forward India’s rich classical music legacy.
Shakthidhar VR
Shakthidhar’s fascination with the Bansuri began in early childhood, leading him to train under maestros Pt. K S Naik, Pt. Prabhakar Dhakde, Pt. Avaneendra Sheolikar, and later Pt. Rajendra Prasanna of Delhi. He has won numerous accolades, including 1st Prize at the All India Flute Competition (Sahara India Parivar, 2001), Central Government HRD Scholarship (2002–2004), and 1st Prize at the UP Sangeet Natak Academy Competition (2003). A versatile performer, Shakthidhar has toured extensively across India and internationally, including the USA, Germany, Italy, France, China, Singapore, and Australia. He is also an accomplished session musician for albums, films, and background scores.
Vinod Prasanna
Vinod Prasanna, an award-winning bansuri virtuoso, hails from one of India’s most distinguished flute-playing families. With over 25 years of performance and teaching experience, he masterfully bridges traditional Indian classical and contemporary world music. His soulful melodies and divine improvisations captivate audiences worldwide. Winner of the prestigious Sahara All-India Flute Competition, Vinod has performed across India, France, Japan, Germany, and Australia. Based in Australia since 2008, he continues his family’s 250-year musical legacy as a performer, recording artist, teacher, and ambassador of the bansuri. His works include acclaimed albums Evening Thoughts, Samaya, and First Meeting with Brothers.
Mohan Krishan
Mohan began his musical journey at the age of three, guided by his father, Shri Tilak Raj, whose morning lessons nurtured his early love for the flute. His passion deepened under the mentorship of Pt. Kailash Sharma, and later, the legendary Pt. Rajendra Prasanna, whose guidance refined his artistry. Mohan’s dedication has earned him the CCRT Scholarship, SIFF YAMP National Award (2020), and 1st Prize in the All India Radio Competition. He has performed for SPIC MACAY, the Children’s Orchestra (AIR), and with renowned bands like Bismil, blending classical brilliance with contemporary expression through his mesmerizing flute performances.
Samyak Parashari
Samyak Parashari, a 16-year-old flute prodigy from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, is emerging as one of India’s most promising young classical musicians. Trained in the Gurukul tradition under the legendary Pt. Rajendra Prasanna, Samyak embodies purity, discipline, and devotion in his art. Winner of numerous national awards, including the U.P. Sangeet Natak Akademi and Sangeet Piyasi International Competition, he has performed at prestigious festivals such as Baba Harivallabh Music Festival, Subah-e-Banaras, and Ganga Mahotsav. With technical brilliance and spiritual depth, Samyak aims to inspire youth and carry forward the timeless legacy of Hindustani classical music.
Arvind Jeevan Upadhye
Arvind Jeevan Upadhye, an acclaimed flautist from Vidarbha, has earned recognition across India and abroad for his soulful artistry and innovative performances. Trained under Pt. Ulhas Bodhankar, Pt. Prabhakar Deshkar, and Pt. Rajendra Prasanna, Arvind blends technical mastery with deep emotional expression. A recipient of the Pt. Prabhakar Deshkar Smruti Puraskar, he has performed extensively in Malaysia, Dubai, and Kuwait, captivating audiences with solo and fusion recitals. Founder of Srujan, a creative musical initiative, Arvind continues to explore new frontiers in melody through innovative stage concepts and collaborations with leading Indian musicians.
Srinibas Satapathy
Srinibas Satapathy is one of India’s leading flautists, known for his mastery of Hindustani classical music. Trained under Prof. Mohini Mohan Pattanaik at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya and later under the legendary Pt. Rajendra Prasanna of the Banaras Gharana, he blends technical precision with expressive depth. Recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and a National Scholarship from the Government of India, Srinibas has performed across India, Europe, and the USA. An ICCR-empanelled and All India Radio-graded artist, he is also a sought-after performer and educator, contributing richly to India’s musical heritage.
Avijit Chakraborty
Avijit Chakraborty, is a dedicated Indian classical flautist who has spent over two decades in the world of music. He began his musical journey under Shri Dipankar Mukherjee and has been learning intensively for the past 11 years from the legendary Pt. Rajendra Prasanna—India’s foremost maestro of flute and shehnai. He completed his Master’s degree in Indian Classical Music (Flute) from the prestigious Rabindra Bharati University, grounding his passion in strong academic and traditional roots. His artistry has been recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, which awarded him the Junior Fellowship in 2014–15.
Avijit has performed extensively across India and abroad—in cultural festivals and prestigious venues in countries like Poland, Denmark, and more. Alongside his performance career, he has been imparting knowledge as a dedicated teacher in various reputed schools and music institutions, shaping and mentoring the next generation of musicians with sincerity and warmth.