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'Guruji'
Pandit Divyang Vakil
Occupation(s)Guru of Taalvidya, Spirituality and Philosophy. A Tabla and Rhythm maestro, and a Music Composer.
Organization(s)Taalim School of Indian Music, USA
AwardsGujarat Gaurav Puraskar, 2014
Websitepanditdivyangvakil.com

Pandit Divyang Vakil (commonly addressed as Guruji or 'respected teacher') is a Tabla and Rhythm maestro renowned globally for his intricate rhythm compositions; a Guru of Taalvidya'; Spirituality and Philosophy.[1][2]

About

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Musical career

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Pandit Divyang Vakil received formal training in Indian classical percussion instrument Tabla under the tutelage of not one but three Gurus from different Gharanas; Pandit Sudhirkumar Saxena of the Ajrada gharana, Ustad Latif Ahmed Khan of the Delhi gharana and Ustad Allarakha Khan of the Punjab gharana.[2][3][4] Pandit Vakil has also accompanied many of the great masters of Indian classical music including Pt. Nikhil Banerjee and Pt. Maniramji.[citation needed]

Nearly 30 years ago, Pandit Divyang Vakil renounced his career as a tabla performer to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to teaching, composing and spiritual pursuits.[5]

Tabla Guru

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In 2019, Pandit Divyang Vakil (affectionately known as 'Guruji' to his students) completed his 40th year of teaching Tabla.[6] He has taught thousands of students and produced innumerable professionals globally through his expansive teaching career spanning over 4 decades.[7] He is the founder of Rhythm Riders Music Institute[8] in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. An affiliated institute of Rhythm Riders Music Institute is the Taalim School of Indian Music in the US, which is run by American disciples of Pandit Divyang Vakil.[9] His students have also established Tabla schools in places such as Australia, Korea, UK and various locations across the US.[10][11][12]

Taalvidya Guru

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Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil is currently providing extensive rhythm training to over 500 Kathak students, dancers, artists, teachers and professionals globally who are being trained in Indian classical dance form Kathak from different Kathak Gurus; institutes and belong to different Gharanas (schools of Indian classical dance and music) of Kathak dance.[1][13][14] The 'Taalvidya' program focuses on the rhythmic aspect of Kathak and aims at providing the dancers with a deeper understanding into the fundamental structure of the art form through classes, workshops and courses eventually opening up many new avenues for an artist to explore. Kathak dancers from around the world often dance to his Kathak compositions. During the pandemic, his vision connected numerous Kathak dancers, artists and teachers from India and abroad in a collaborative spirit and who choreographed and danced upon many of his original and memorable Kathak compositions produced digitally by Aaditaal Music Project; the production face of Indian music composer, producer and artist Rushi Vakil and released under the title of 'Quarantine Kathak Connections'.[1]

Guru of Spirituality and philosophy

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Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil has conducted intensive research for the past 2 decades on one of the vastly ignored subjects by mankind i.e.,'Death'; 'The art of dying' which includes understanding of different philosophies and concepts, and scientific aspects revolving around the subject of 'Death' as well as death rituals and customs in practice across various religions in the world. For research alone, he has travelled across numerous countries and closely examined many events of death to gain deeper insights into the mystery, origin and progression of life towards a distinguished state of 'Death' and the phenomenon of death itself'.[1][2] By combining his vast knowledge and experience as a rhythm maestro, his keen interest in philosophy and profound spiritual experience, his research involves in- depth understanding and deciphering the vibrations and rhythmic patterns associated with 'death'. Guruji has delivered many lectures on the 'Philosophy of Death' until now and he shares his experiences upon this subject with doctors and his students as well. He has also conducted various discourses and has delivered numerous lectures globally on topics such as 'Philosophy of Music', 'Philosophy of Death and Reincarnation', 'Human behaviour', 'Hanuman Chalisa' and more.[2][5][15]

Composer

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As a composer, Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil is known for his intricate rhythm compositions. He has been teaching the concepts of rhythm and guiding numerous musicians and drummers globally to adapt the fundamentals of the Indian classical rhythm system onto their own instrument creating new rhythmic structures while demonstrating the universality of rhythm.[15][16] In 2011, he collaborated with South Korean musician Yu Kyung-hwa. Vakil composed a piece for Yu to play on the traditional Korean instrument, the Janggu, and set it to popular Indian rhythms.[17] The piece debuted in February 2011 at Rhythm Riders Music Institute in Ahmedabad, India. The following month Pandit Ji was invited to compose and teach Indian rhythms and theory to Korean artists in an international music exchange program.[18]

Pandit Divyang Vakil is well known for his contemporary classical Tabla ensemble compositions 'Tabla Triveni', 'Tabla Taandav', 'Tabla Tarkhat' and 'Tālavya' to name a few. Through his compositions, Pandit Vakil has given a modern form to Indian classical Tabla playing.[19]

Tālavya

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Formerly known as the Tabla Ecstasy, Talavya is a contemporary Indian Classical Percussion Ensemble that explores the capabilities of expressing the Indian Classical Hand Drum Tabla as a rhythmic as well as a melodic instrument.[20] The ensemble performs compositions by Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil. Tabla Ecstasy, Power of Tabla, Ardha Taal Chakravyuha are a few of his full length instrumental ensemble pieces which are essentially contemporary compositions by Guruji Pt. Divyang Vakil that Talavya performs.[21] In 2007, his tabla duet called Power of Tabla was the first musical performance by Gujarati artists to be performed in the history of IIM-Ahmedabad Chaos Festival.[22][23] One of his most difficult works is Ardha Taal Chakra (literally meaning "circle of half rhythms"). Ardha Taal Chakra explored half-beat Indian rhythm cycles.[24] Created in 2006, it was recomposed and renamed in 2010 to become Ardha Taal Chakravyuha. All the group Tabla works retain the essence of the Indian Classical Music while showcasing synchronization of complex rhythms transitioning to smooth meditative passages not usually associated with drumming.[25][26] Talavya has also performed at notable events and locations such as the Chico World Music Festival, held in Chico, California, United States,[27][28] Symphony Space, NYC,[citation needed] TEDx ASB Events at Mumbai, India,[29][25] The INK Conference at Jaipur, India,[30] Queens University of Charlotte, USA,[5] Lincoln Center, NYC,[31] The Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC™) 2013 at Indianapolis, USA[32] and numerous other locations across North America.[33] Talavya has collaborated with American percussionist and musician Mickey Hart, Canadian vocalist Shakura S’Aida, musician Sidi Touré and Cuban Fire.[21]

Pradhanica

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Pandit Divyang Vakil's latest work Pradhanica; meaning 'Female leader ’ or 'Female head' is a collaborative stage production[34] between the South Korean origin Kathak dancer, choreographer[35] and Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil's Tabla disciple Jin Won.[36][37] Pradhanica is a 90-minute ensemble of World Drums and Indian classical dance form Kathak showcasing the contemporary side of the dance composed by Guruji Pandit Divyang[34][35] and led by Jin Won . It essentially explores the possibilities of expressing emotions through rhythm and movement.[38] The ensemble includes Pandit Divyang Vakil's disciple Mike Lukshis playing the Indian classical hand percussion instrument 'Tabla' along with Kaumil Shah on African Djembe, Vincent Pierce on the Latin American instrument Cajon and Indrajit Roy Choudhary on Indian classical string instrument Sitar.[34] Pradhanica has performed at various locations across the states; Manhattan Movement and Art Center,[34] Drive East, The Festival of South Asian Music and Dance at La MaMa,[35] Lone Tree Arts Center, Colorado,[38] Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA,[34] and Annual Princeton Festival at McCarter Theater in Princeton are some to mention.[39][40]

Pandit Divyang Vakil post Legacy Concert with students

Events

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Gurupoornima Celebration

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Gurupoornima 2019 July 2019[41][42][43]

Legacy concert

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The Legacy concert, 2019 celebrated Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil's 40th teaching anniversary. The concert featured numerous performances by his senior 'Tabla' disciples, artists and students of 'Rhythm' performing on western Drum kit, Janggu and more; as well as his 'Taalvidya' students, dancers and professionals from the field of 'Kathak' from around the world.[44] The event also showcased a performance by the notable American drummer Will Calhoun who has been inspired by Guruji's rhythmic styles[6] as well as Korean percussionist Prof. Kyung- Hwa You, who adapted the aspects of Indian rhythm and music in her playing of the traditional Korean instrument Janggu.

Rhythmic Freefall

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Rhythmic Freefall: The Power of Rhythm in Nature' was an event curated by the Taalim School of Indian Music held at the base of the Lower Enfield Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park on 22 September 2018.[45] Reportedly, over 100 Tabla players aged 4 – 65 years from the Taalim School of Indian Music, USA led by Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil showcased a powerful performance alongside the rushing waterfall to experience the oneness of rhythm in nature.[46][47] The event marked the 20th anniversary of a similar event conceptualised by Guruji Pandit Divyang Vakil 20 years before in Gujarat, India at the Zanzari waterfall.[citation needed]

Awards

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Pandit Divyang Vakil received the 'Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar' (Gujarat State honour) by the Gujarat Rajya Sangeet Natak Academy on 8 December 2014 for his years of contribution to the field of Indian classical music in an award ceremony held at the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad Hall.[48][49]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Pathak, Dakshesh (6 March 2022). "જીવન થી મૃત્યુ તરફની સાહજિક અને પ્રકાશમય ગતિ ને નિરાખતા દિવ્યાંગ વકીલ: એક અનુભૂતિ". Gujarat Samachar (in Gujarati). p. 2. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d "Divya Bhaskar ePaper: Today (Aaj Ka) Gujarati Newspaper, Online Gujarati Newspaper". divyabhaskar epaper (in Gujarati). Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  3. ^ "About Tabla Guru".
  4. ^ "13 Nov 2002, B1 – South Bergenite at Newspapers.com". North Jersey. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  5. ^ a b c "High Energy Performance by Tabla Ecstasy Ensemble". Saathee Magazine: 36, 86. March 2010.
  6. ^ a b "Will Calhoun – Tour and Clinic Schedule". willcalhoun.com. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  7. ^ "Rhythm Riders Music Productions". Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  8. ^ Rhythm Riders Music Institute
  9. ^ "About Taalim School".
  10. ^ "About Founder". Archived from the original on 9 September 2012.
  11. ^ Walsh, Christopher. "In Love With the Tabla Sound | The East Hampton Star". easthamptonstar.com. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
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  14. ^ Alam, Tanveer. "About". Tanveerdance.com. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  15. ^ a b "Indian Rhythm: A Universal Language". Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  16. ^ admin. "Styles". Vincent Pierce Percussion. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  17. ^ Mistry, Suresh (7 February 2011). "હું દક્ષિણ કોરિયાથી સૂર- તાલની આપ- લે કરવ। આવી છું". Gujarat Samachar (in Gujarati).
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  21. ^ a b "Powerful and Lightning Fast Tabla Drumming Ensemble Draws Packed House". NewJerseyStage.com. 3 February 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  22. ^ "Taalnaad at IIM-Chaos". Gujarat Samachar. 26 January 2007.
  23. ^ "Members of the 'Tabla Ecstacy' perform at the IIM Ahmedabad Chaos festival – Photogallery". photogallery.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
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  25. ^ a b "Talavya -Transforming Perceptions of Classical Music (TEDxASB)". IndiEarth – Connecting Worldwide Media To India's Artists. 17 March 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  26. ^ melaagency. "Talavya – Contemporary Classical Tabla Ensemble". MELA Arts Connect. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  27. ^ "Chico World Music Festival brings international flair to campus". Chico Enterprise-Record. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  28. ^ "Come what May". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  29. ^ "TEDxASB | TED". ted.com. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  30. ^ "Watch The INK Conference in association with TED with Facebook on Indiatimes Live". inkpaid.live.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  31. ^ "Talavya Treats the Throngs to Torrential Tabla Thrills". New York Music Daily. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  32. ^ "Confirmed PASIC Artists". [DFO] Drum Forum. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  33. ^ "Indian Tabla Maestros Talavya Begin North American Tour | World Music Central". 2 April 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  34. ^ a b c d e Gorce, Tammy La (12 August 2016). "Pradhanica Brings the Rhythms of Kathak Dance to New Jersey". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  35. ^ a b c Kourlas, Gia (23 August 2013). "Styles Reach Beyond Appearances". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  36. ^ "Khabar: Music: Taalika: Nothing Typical About These Tabla Exponents". khabar.com. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  37. ^ "View Magazine Winter 2017, March 3-18, 2018 by The Publishing House – Issuu". issuu.com. 4 April 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  38. ^ a b "Lone Tree Arts Center, Theatrical Shows, Music & Dance | Lone Tree Arts". lonetreeartscenter.org. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  39. ^ Johnson, Robert (23 June 2015). "Dancer's Journey Traces Steps from East to West". Community News. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  40. ^ Johnson, Robert (3 July 2015). "In 'Pradhanica,' Jin Won adds innovations to North Indian Kathak dance". NJArts.net. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  41. ^ "8 – Ahmedabad Mirror, 7/18/2019". epaper.timesgroup.com. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
  42. ^ "21 – Ahmedabad Mirror, 7/16/2019". epaper.timesgroup.com. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
  43. ^ "Things to do in Ahmedabad today". Ahmedabad Mirror. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  44. ^ "2019". Barkha Dance Company. January 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  45. ^ Mroczek, Jacob (25 September 2018). "Video: 100 tabla players drum alongside tempo of Ithaca waterfall". The Ithaca Voice. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  46. ^ Dutt, Ela (24 September 2018). "Indian-Americans, others engage in 'Majestic Battle' between tablas and waterfall in New York". News India Times. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  47. ^ "100 tabla players perform near Ithaca, NY, waterfall". The American Bazaar. 7 October 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  48. ^ "Gujarat govt presents Gaurav Puraskar to 12 artists". DeshGujarat (in Gujarati). 8 December 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  49. ^ "Awards | Gujarat State Sangeet Natak Academy : Sports, Youth and Culture Activities Department, Government of Gujarat" (in Gujarati). Retrieved 21 May 2022.
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