Internationally renowned Hindustani classical music vocalist DR. PRABHA ATRE is the senior most (84 years; d.o.b: 13-09-1932; place of birth : Pune), front ranking living legend of the Kirana gharaanaa. Besides being an accomplished performer she has also excelled as a brilliant thinker, researcher, academician, reformer, author, composer and guru.

A Science and Law graduate, Doctorate in music, Assistant Producer with the All India Radio, Professor and Head of the Department of Post-Graduate Studies & Research in Music at SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, Dr. Prabha Atre has a rare blend of skill, insight and expressive voice. She has displayed constant innovation and creative endeavour in treatment, design and presentation of the musical material. Whether khyaal, taraanaa, thumri, daadraa, ghazal, or bhajan, her sincerity to art and sensitivity to the times clearly surface in her thinking and singing which distinguishes her from other vocalists, both in the classical and light classical idioms. Dr. Atre is specially hailed for the subtle ways she uses sargam and gamak from Carnatic music which makes Hindustani music aesthetically rich, lively and pleasing.

Dr. Atre is a ‘Top’ Grade artist of the All India Radio. Her public concerts, radio and TV programmes in India and abroad to audiences of varying tastes have always been highly appreciated. She is the pioneering vocalist to popularise the Indian art music in the West since 1969, giving full-fledged vocal music concerts, as did Pt. Ravi Shankar with his sitar.

Dr. Atre is an acclaimed guru both in performance and research. She is actively involved in music related academic activities like lec-dems, workshops & seminars and has also been teaching at foreign universities as a visiting professor.

Dr. Prabha Atre was trained in the traditional `guru-shishya paramparaa' system by the late Sureshbabu Mane and his famous sister, Padmabhushan Hirabai Badodekar, both stalwarts of the Kirana gharaanaa and drew much inspiration from the styles of renowned maestros, Amir Khan and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

Dr. Atre has authored academic books on the various aspects of music that are especially relevant to the present day performance. Her very first book ‘Swaramayee’ (स्वरमयी) has bagged the Maharashtra State Govt. Award. Her second book ‘Suswaraalee’ (सुस्वराली) has also received great accolades. Her Doctoral thesis on ‘Sargam’(सरगम) or the use of sol-fa names as musical material, is a pioneering work on the subject. Her 3 books of compositions ‘Swaraanginee’(स्वरांगिनी), ‘Swaranjanee’(स्वरंजनी) and ‘Swararangee’(स्वररंगी) carry 550 of her popular compositions in classical, light classical & light music. The English version of these composition books which contain articles on bandish in North Indian classical vocal music along with the notation, song-text meaning and audio CD, has proved to be a great help to Indian and non-Indian music learners and artists. Her other books in English on theoritical and technical aspects of music making and contemporary music performance – ‘Enlightening the Listener’ and ‘Along the Path of Music’ have helped the global music lovers to understand and appreciate the Indian art music objectively. Perhaps the only book of its kind, ‘Antahswar’(अंतःस्वर) is a book of poems on music and musical experiences. Her books are available in Marathi, Hindi, English & Kannada and are also being translated into other languages.

‘Dr. Prabha Atre Foundation’ set up by Dr. Atre aims to promote the cause of Indian classical music and performing arts. She has also established ‘Swaramayee Gurukul’ which strives to bridge the prevailing gap between the academic institutions and the traditional guru-shishya paramparaa and nurtures talented students into professionals who aspire to take music as a career. She is working as a committee member for several social, educational and cultural institutions.

Dr. Prabha Atre has been honoured with the National Awards - `PADMASHREE’, `PADMABHUSHAN’ by the Government of India, `SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI' Award and ‘TAGORE AKADEMI RATNA’ by the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi and the State awards – KALIDAS SAMMAN (Madhya Pradesh), TANARIRI SANGEET SANMAN (Gujarat), BHARAT RATNA PT. BHIMSEN JOSHI SHAASTREEYA SANGEET JEEVAN GAURAV PURASKAR (Maharashtra), MALLIKARJUN MANSUR SAMMAN (Karnataka) and SWARASAMRAT PT. BASAVRAJ RAJGURU RASHTRIYA SAMMAN (Karnataka) - in recognition of her exceptional creativity, highest artistic excellence, outstanding achievement and distinguished life time services in the field of classical vocal music.

Dr. Atre has received 'Indo-American Fellowship' for studying research materials used in Ethnomusicology at the University of California, U.S.A. She has also received 'LearnQuest Lifetime Achievement Award' in recognition of exceptional and lasting contribution to Indian Classical Music by the renowned LearnQuest Academy of Music, Boston, USA.

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PARENTS:
Late Sri. Dattatraya Pilaji nee Aabasaheb Atre  - father – [retired Head Master – Rasta Peth Education Society’s School, Pune (currently named Abasaheb Atre Day High School & Junior College)]

Late Smt. Indira Atre – mother – [retired Teacher – Rasta Peth Education Society’s School, Pune (currently named Abasaheb Atre Day High School & Junior College), author of books – short stories and poems for children]

SIBLINGS:
Late Dr. Usha Wagh nee Atre (Anesthethist at Jaslok Hospital and Cumbala Hill Hospital).  Married to late Dr. Suresh Wagh (Neuro-Surgeon at Bombay Hospital).  Have two daughters Smt. Kalpana Vaidya (settled in Mumbai) and Dr. Manisha Ravi Prakash (Gynecologist & Physician settled in the USA).

 A.      ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

1	Bachelor of Science	Ferguson College, Poona University.
2	Bachelor of Law	Law College, Poona University
3	Sangeet Alankar (Master of Music)	Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal
4	Sangeet Praveen (Doctor of Music)	Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal
5	Western Music Theory Grade IV	Trinity College of Music, London
6	Training in North Indian Classical Vocal Music: Traditional `guru-shishya paramparaa'  system	Sri. Sureshbabu Mane and Smt. Hirabai Badodekar from Kirana gharaanaa

B.        PERFORMANCE

1	Have been giving public concerts all over India and abroad since 1955. (Specialisation in khyaal, thumri, daadraa, bhajan, ghazal).
2	Participated in prestigious Music Festivals (Government and Public), held in India and abroad.
3	Top Grade All India Radio Artist: National Programmes and other special programmes before invited audience.
4	TV Programmes in India and abroad.
5	Uses her own compositions in concerts and presents specially conceived programmes like: full-fledged programmes in light classical (thumri, daadraa) and light music, (ghazal, geet, devotional songs), etc., theme based concerts – Bhairav prakaar, Kauns prakaar, Malhar prakaar, Kalyan prakaar, etc., `Sur Sangam’ - Hindustani classical music concert based on Carnatic raagas and nuances. ‘Raag Rang’ – classical, light-classical and light forms in the same raag.
6	Recordings produced by leading Music companies (list enclosed)

C.        Ph.D. Works & Publications on Dr. Prabha Atre:

• 5 students have been awarded Ph.D. at various universities for their research work on the contributions of Dr. Prabha Atre
• ‘Swarayoginee Dr. Prabha Atre : ek bahuaayaami vyaktitva’ ---- research work by Dr. Chetna Banawat published by Kanishka Publishers Distributors.
  

D.        TEACHING:

1	Professor & Head - Department of Post-Graduate Studies & Reasearch in Music, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai	1979-1992
2	Visiting Professor at: the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada the University of California, Los Angeles, U.S.A the Rotterdam Conservatory, Netherlands the Colorado College, Colorado, U.S.A the Music Conservatory, Montreux, Switzerland the Learn Quest Academy of Music at Boston, U.S.A. the Syracuse University, Syracuse, U.S.A. the Learn Quest Academy of Music at Boston, U.S.A.	1983 1986 1989 2000 2000 2003 2008 2008
3	Private students since 1965, who have established themselves as: All India Radio artists TV artists Concert artists Playback singers Prize winners in reputable competitions Research Scholars: 8 students have been awarded Ph.D.  Scholarship holders ‑ both Foreign and Indian

E.        PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

1	‘Top’ Grade Artist of All India Radio
2	Examiner for Music  (M.A. Ph.D. level) and Member of the Board of Studies in Music at various universities.
3	Judge of reputable competitions, scholarships, awards at the national level.
4	Member of the Public Service Commission of Maharashtra.
5	Participant in Seminars, Workshops and Lec-Dems ‑ National and International.

F.         PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT

1	Assistant Producer for Music with the All India Radio	1960-1970
2	Professor & Head – Post-Graduate Dept. of Music,SNDT Women's University, Mumbai	1979-1992
3	Chief Music Producer & Director - `Swarashree' Recording Company	since 1981
4	Visiting Professor at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada	1983
5	Visiting Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, America	1986
6	Visiting Professor at the Rotterdam Conservatory, Netherlands	1989
7	Visiting Professor at the Colorado College, Colorado, U.S.A	2000
8	Visiting Professor at the Music Conservatory, Montreux, Switzerland	2000
9	Visiting Professor at the Learn Quest Academy of Music at Boston, USA	2003
10	Visiting Professor at the Syracuse University, Syracuse, U.S.A	2008
11	Visiting Professor at the Learn Quest Academy of Music at Boston, U.S.A.	2008

G.        PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

1	Associate Founder Member and Executive Committee Member, Indian Musicological Society, Baroda.	since 1980
2	Member of the Cultural Committee, Maharashtra Government	1981
3	Member of the Advisory Panel of the Central Board of Film Censors, Mumbai.	1984
4	Committee Member of the Sangeet Research Academy, ITC, Western zone (The Music Forum, Mumbai – a body representing personalities from different fields related to music)	since 1985
5	Committee Member of the Indian National Theatre	1987
6	University Grants Commission Member of the Panel	1987
7	Non‑official member of the Northern Panel of the Musical Audition Board of the All India Radio	1987
8	Committee Member to formulate the National Policy on Culture, set up by the Ministry for Cultural Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi	2002
9	Member – Panel for Hindustani Music (vocal & light classical), Indian Council for Cultural Relations, working under the Ministry for Cultural Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi	2002
10	Member – Expert Committee to award scholarships for artists in Hindustani vocal music, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of India, New Delhi.	2003
11	Committee Member to formulate the Government policy to preserve cultural diversity, set up  by the Ministry for Cultural Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.	2004
12	Member of Advisory Committee – Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Maharashtra State.	2009

H.        FOREIGN TOURS, CONCERTS, LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, TEACHING

1	U.K. and Continent	1969	6 months
2	U.S.A., Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore	1971	6 months
3	Kenya, Africa	1974	2 months
4	U.S.A., Canada	1976	4 months
5	Afghanistan, Iran	1977	2 months
6	Mauritius	1981	2 weeks
7	U.S.A., Canada	1981	4 months
8	Dubai, Bahrain	1983	2 weeks
9	U.S.A., Canada	1983	6 months
10	U.S.A., Canada	1986	4 months
11	Moscow, Russia	1987	2 weeks
12	Netherlands	1989	2 months
13	Doha, Bahrain	1991	2 weeks
14	U.K., Europe	1995	2 weeks
15	U.S.A.	1998	3 months
16	U.S.A.	2000	2 months
17	Switzerland	2000	2 weeks
18	U.S.A.	2002	3 months
19	U.S.A.	2003	6 weeks
20	U.S.A.	2008	6 weeks
21	U.S.A., Canada	2014	2 Months
22	U.K.	2014	2 weeks
23	Bangaladesh	2016	1 week

I.          OTHER INTERESTS

1	Drama :	`A' Grade ‑ All India Radio Drama Artist (Marathi and Hindi). Main female role in professional musical dramas.  Acted with well-known theatre personalities like Shri. Chintubua Divekar, Shri. Ganapatrao Bodas, Shri. Balchandra Pendarkar, Shri. Prasad Savkar, Master Damle, Chota Gandharv, Shri. Ram Marathe, Shri. Prabhakar Panshikar, etc., in musical dramas like Sharada, Vidyaaharan, Mruchchakatika, Samshaykallol, Lilaav, Mandaarmaalaa, etc., Was felicitated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India for main role in her first musical drama ‘Sharada’ in 1957.
2	Dance :	Formal training in Kathak style, participated in School, College cultural activities.

J.         HONOURS / RECOGNITION

1	Central Government Scholarship for Music, Delhi	1955
2	Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya - Sankeshwar, conferred title `Gaana Prabha'	1975
3	`Acharya Atre Award' for Music, Mumbai	1975
4	Appointment as `Special Executive Magistrate' by the Government of Maharashtra in recognition of services to the cause of Music.	1978
5	Visiting Professor at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada	1983
6	Indo‑American Fellowship for studying research materials used in Ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles, America.	1986
7	Visiting Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, America	1986
8	Maharashtra State Government Award for book `Swaramayee'	1989
9	Visiting Professor at the Rotterdam Conservatory, Netherlands.	1989
10	National Award `PADMASHREE'	1990
11	National `SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI' Award	1991
12	`Sur singar Samsad: Sangeeth Peeth: Raseshwar Award', Mumbai.	1992
13	Felicitation & Publication of Gauravika ‑ `Gana Prabha' on 61st birthday for varied, outstanding contribution in the field of music performance and music education under the auspices of Hridayesh Arts, a reputed socio-cultural organization, Mumbai.	1994
14	Felicitation by Marathwada Sangeet Kala Academy, Latur.	1995
15	`Mahim Ratna' award by Shiv Sena Mahim branch, Mumbai.	1995
16	`Maauli Pratishthan' Award, Mumbai.	1996
17	Name included in the book `Daughters of Maharashtra' by US based photographer Abhijit Varde and published by Kalnirnay group	1997
18	`M.N. Mathur Smriti Munch' award, Udaipur.	1999
19	`Swar Sadhana Ratna' award, Mumbai.	1999
20	Felicitation by Sanskar Bharati, Mumbai.	2000
21	Felicitation by Sawai Gandharva Vishwastha Samsthe, Kundgol.	2000
22	Felicitation by Law College, Pune	2000
23	Visiting Professor at the Music Conservatory, Montreux, Switzerland	2000
24	Felicitation by Global Action Club International, Mumbai.	2001
25	Acharya Pandit Ram Narayan Foundation Award, Mumbai.	2001
26	S.L. Gadre Maatoshri Kalakar Award, Mumbai.	2001
27	Felicitation by the Mayor of Indore.	2001
28	Ustad Faiyyaz Ahmed Khan Memorial Award (Kirana Gharana), nstituted by The Music Forum, Mumbai.	2002
29	National award `Padmabhushan’	2002
30	`Life time achievement’ award by the Pune University, Pune	2002
31	`Godavari Gaurav Puraskar’ instituted by Kusumagraj Pratishthan, Nasik	2002
32	Felicitation by the Mayor of Mumbai.	2002
33	Felicitation by the Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Research and Rural Development Foundation, Mumbai by the then Governor of Maharashtra, Shri. P.C. Alexandar	2002
34	`Kala-Shree 2002’ award instituted by Business Express Group, Sangli.	2002
35	Felicitation by the S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Mumbai.	2002
36	Felicitation by the Fine Arts Society, Chembur, Mumbai.	2002
37	`Hafiz Ali Khan Award’ instituted by Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Memorial Trust, New Delhi.	2002
38	Best ‘guru’ / Ph.D. guide – honoured with ‘N.D. Kashalkar puraskar’ by Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Manda	2002
39	Swarsagar Sangeet Puraskar’ award instituted by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Mahanagar Palika, Pimpri.	2002
40	Felicitation by `Gaanvardhan’ cultural organization from Pune on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee Celebrations	2003
41	`Swararatna Puraskar’ awarded by Mumbai Doordarshan (DD1) – Sahyadri	2003
42	`P.L. Deshpande Bahuroopi Sanman’ by Sri. Ram Pujari Pratishthan, Sholapur	2004
43	‘Govind Lakshmi Gourav Puraskar’ instituted by Saraswati Sangeet Vidyalaya, Bangalore for displaying constant innovation and creative endeavour in Indian classical music --- felicitated by the then Hon’ble President of India Shri. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam	2004
44	‘Kaka Hathrasi Sangeet Sanman 2003’ by Sankalp and Kaka Hathrasi Puraskar Trust, at Ahmedabad felicitating Dr. Atre as an author on Indian music	2004
45	National ‘KALIDAS SAMMAN’ instituted from the Government of Madhya Pradesh, for exceptional creativity, highest artistic excellence, outstanding achievement and long time dedication in the field of Indian classical music.	2004
46	‘Dagar Gharana Award’ instituted by the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur	2005
47	Giants International Award 2005 for contribution towards music - honoured by Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri. S.M. Krishna	2005
48	‘Master Krishnarao Phulambrikar Award’ instituted by the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad for writings on Music	2005
49	Honoured with the ‘Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar’ – felicitated by Bharataratna Lata Mangeshkar	2006
50	Felicitated on the occasion of 75th birthyear and for contribution to Indian music by ‘Swaramayee’, Mumbai at Mumbai	2006
51	Concluding artist at the internationally renowned ‘Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Sangeet Mahotsava’, Pune – honour bestowed in recognition of seniority and excellence	since 2006
52	Felicitated on the occasion of 75th birthyear and for contribution to Indian music by ‘Ashaya Club’, Pune at Pune	2007
53	Felicitated on the occasion of 75th birthyear and for contribution to Indian music by ‘Swaramayee’, Mumbai at New Delhi and Kolkata	2007
55	Felicitated on the occasion of 75th birthyear and for contribution to Indian music by ‘Swaramayee’ and Shri Ram Kala Vedike, at Bangalore	2007
56	Felicitated on the occasion of 75th birthyear and for contribution to Indian music by ‘Swaramayee’, Vasundhara Academy of Performing Arts and Raagmilan at Mysore	2007
57	Felicitated for contribution towards Indian music by ‘Mee Marathi’ T.V. by the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh	2007
58	Felicitated for contribution towards Indian music and on her 75th birthyear by the citizens of Sholapur	2007
59	Felicitated with ‘Pune Festival Award’ for contribution towards Indian music at the hands of Shri. Sushil Kumar Shinde and Shri. Suresh Kalmadi	2007
60	Felicitated on the occasion of 75th birthyear and for contribution to Indian music by ‘Swaramayee’ and Sri Krishna Sweets, at Chennai	2007
61	‘Adishakti Jeevan-Sanman Puraskar’ by Agarwal Cultural Trust and Mahalakshmi Mandir, Pune	2008
62	Felicitated on the occasion of 75th birth year and for contribution to Indian music by ‘Swaramayee’ at Pune. ‘Swarayoginee’ – title conferred by veteran theatre personality Shri. Prabhakar Panashikar on behalf of music lovers	2008
63	Conferred the title ‘Sangeeta Kalanidhi’ for her outstanding contribution to Indian classical music by Hangal Music Foundation, Hubli, at the hands of Smt. Gangubai Hangal, the maestro of Kirana gharaanaa	2009
64	Felicitated by RAWA – Renaissance Artists’ and Writers’ Association for exceptional creativity, highest artistic excellence, outstanding achievement and long time dedication to Indian classical music	2009
65	‘3rd Bismillah Samman Puraskar’ instituted by Madhu Murchhana, Mumbai in memory of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khansaheb bestowed by Sri. Krupashankar Singh, MLA & President – Mumbai Congress	2009
66	‘3rd Sawai Gandharva Rastriya Sangeet Puraskar’ instituted in honour of Pt. Sawai Gandharwa. Bestowed by Pt. Sawai Gandharva Vishwastha Samiti, Kundagol.	2009
67	Gururao Deshpande Rashtriya Sangeet Puraskar ‘Guru Gandharva 2010’ instituted by Gururao Deshpande Sangeet Sabha, Bangalore	2010
68	‘Puttaraj Sanman 2010’ instituted by Dr. Puttaraj Gawai Foundation, Gadag, Karnataka	2010
69	‘Mallikarjun Mansur Samman 2010’ instituted by Dr. Mallikarjun Mansur Trust, Dharwar	2010
70	‘Swarayoginee Dr. Prabha Atre Shaastreeya Sangeet Puraskar’ – national award instituted by Gaanvardhan and Tatyasaheb Natu Foundation to award and encourage talented artists	since 2010
71	National `TAGORE AKADEMI RATNA' instituted from the Sangeet Natak Akademi - the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, - the apex body of performing arts in the country, a one-time honour of Tagore Samman for her significant contribution in the field of performing arts, as a part of the ongoing commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabinath Tagore.	2011
72	'Rushitulya Tapasvi' honour by Sharada Gnana Peetham of India International Multiversity, Pune.	2013
73	'Rugved Bhooshan' puraskar from Deshastha Rugvedi Brahman Shikshnottejak Sanstha, Pune.	2013
74	'ITC – SRA Award' from ITC – Sangeet Research Academy honouring for life long dedicated services to Indian classical music	2014
75	'Maharashtra Bhooshan' title accorded by the leading Marathi newspaper of Maharashtra - Maharashtra Times	2014
76	'LearnQuest Lifetime Achievement Award' in recognition of exceptional and lasting contribution to Indian Classical Music by LearnQuest Academy, Boston, USA	2014
77	'Pt. Uma Dutt Sharma Lifetime Achievement Award' instituted by 'Jaipur Gems Charitable Trust', Mumbai	2014
78	National 'TANARIRI SANGEET SANMAN' instituted by the Government of Gujarat, for exceptional creativity, highest artistic excellence, outstanding achievement and long time dedication in the field of Indian classical music	2014
79	'Legends of India' - Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by 'Legends of India', Delhi	2014
80	'Fergusson Gaurav Award' instituted by The Fergussonians' - Alumni of Fergussion Institutions, Pune.	2014
81	National 'Bharatratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Shaastreeya Sangeet Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar' instituted by the Government of Maharashtra, for exceptional creativity, highest artistic excellence, outstanding achievement and long time dedication in the field of Indian classical music	2014
82	'Swara Bhaskar Puraskar' instituted by Pune Municipal Corporation	2014
83	'Kalabhushan Puraskar' instituted by Aditya Pratishthan, Pune	2015
84	'Maestros Speak' treatise of Indian music, compilation of presentations/ articles by artists in seminars conducted by Gaanvardhan for the past more than 35 years, dedicated to Dr. Prabha Atre	2015
85	'Swarasamrat Pt. Basavaraj Rajguru Rashtreeya Samman' instituted by Swarasamrat Pt. Basavaraj Rajguru National memorial Trust, Dharwad	2017
86	'Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar Puraskar' instituted by Sangit Kala Kendra, Mumbai	2017
87	Name included in national and international biographical works

K.        SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

1	Training to talented students in the traditional `guru-shishya paramparaa' system since 1970, by providing food and shelter.  Nearly 15-20 out-station students have benefited.  (Mumbai's living conditions today do not allow gurukul system for want of space and time).
2	Has been giving concerts and lecture‑demonstrations in schools and colleges all over India for the `Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture among Youth’ SPIC MACAY since its inception in 1977. This activity has helped in propagating and popularising Indian Classical Music among student community – rural, urban and cosmopolitan; and the focus has been `national integration'.
3	Working for `Sanskar Bharati' - an all India organisation propagating, preserving and promoting Indian culture among the society through lectures, workshops, seminars, concerts, training, etc.
4	Working as a committee member for several social, educational, cultural institutions have been trying to bring these institutions together and establish rapport between themselves for better understanding and better results.
5	Organised 'Sureshbabu Hirabai Smruti Sangeet Samaroh' a yearly music festival for 16 years as one of the activities to commemorate the invaluable contribution made by the gurus Shri. Sureshbabu Mane and Padmabhushan Smt. Hirabai Badodekar to the cause of music. Senior top artists and accomplished young artists participated in this festival and kept the classical tradition alive and going. Three to four thousand music lovers used to attend this festival to listen to senior as well as young artists.  This festival became the major music festival in Mumbai like Sawai Gandharva Festival in Pune.
6	Organised `Stree Guru Vandana' ‑ a festival/programme for the first time to honour well-known senior female musicians for their contribution as `gurus' (Aug. '96) – a historical event in the field of music.
7	Organised a yearly classical music festival, `Gana Prabha' for 5 years featuring young, talented artists and creating a much-needed platform as an endeavour to fulfill socio-cultural commitments. In the year 2002 `Gana Prabha’ music festival was an `All Women Musician’s Festival’ having women performers and accompanists; the idea being to give platform, promote and project especially women percussionists as accompanists and soloists.  In the year 2003 `Gana Prabha’ music festival featured senior musicians who are around 75 years of age.  It was to recognise the contributions of the maestros, to honour them and provide an opportunity for the music loving people of Mumbai to have a glimpse of their saadhaanaa.
8	President of Rasta Peth Education Society – a leading educational association in Pune for the last 15 years.  Has worked in different capacities in its governing committee for the past 22 years. The RPES was started in 1927 in the Eastern part of Pune which was educationally and economically backward of which her father Shri. Abasaheb Atre was the Founder-Principal.  Since then, the entire family has been deeply involved in the development of the Society and its activities. Dr. Atre apart from being educated in the school run by the Society has been working actively in its administration, management, policy making decisions, raising funds, besides donating large amounts herself.
9	President (Advisory Committee) of `Gaan Vardhan' ‑ a well-known music organisation, Pune, for the past 20 years. Gaan Vardhan organizes concerts, lecture-demonstrations, seminars, workshops and has thus helped educate the music lovers of Pune and around.
10	Established `Dr. Prabha Atre Foundation’ in 2000 which aims at preserving, promoting, propagating and popularising the Indian classical music and other performing arts. Dr. Atre through her Foundation and otherwise has organized nearly 275 programmes, music festivals based on various themes since 1965
11	Has established `Swaramayee Gurukul’in 2003 at Pune.  An unique institution, a dream project of Dr. Atre, it houses a gurukul wherein talented students who aspire to take music as a professional career can stay and equip themselves to meet the challenges of the profession.  To facilitate this Swaramayee Gurukul provides training aided by a small auditorium, library of audio-video recordings and books, facility for audio-video recording etc., It provides a platform for mehfils, seminars, workshops, discussions, press conferences etc.,   The institution an endeavor to fulfill socio-cultural commitments aims to strive to bridge the prevailing gap between the academic institutions and the traditional guru-shishya paramparaa. The Gurukul organises monthly baithaks – concerts and academic programmes – non-ticketed/open free for the public – the objective being to educate audience who can keep a check on the quality of presentation of music.
12	Has been actively involved as a Committee Member of `The Music Forum, Mumbai’ – a body of representatives from all fields of music – artists, connoisseurs, music organizations, media – print and electronic, critics, academic institutions, music schools, national and international agencies, government organisations since the past 20 years.
13	Organised a Seminar ‘Sargam as Musical Material’ followed by a Workshop on ‘How to Sing Sargam / Sargam Rendition’ in 2004. This was probably the first time in India a Seminar/Workshop involving eminent musicologists and practising musicians from Hindustani, Carnatic and also light music was organised.  The paper presentations were supplemented by illustrations, listening session of recordings of sargam singing of old maestros from Hindustani and Carnatic music from semi-classical and light music.  This was followed by a discussion involving panelists and audience. The seminar attempted to examine the history of sargam; its place as a separate musical material besides aalaap, bols and taan; evolution of the usage of sargam with time; potential of its usage and the factors that have made sargam popular with most of the genre right from classical, light to geet, ghazal, bhajan, Indi-pop, fusion, commercials advertisements etc.,
14	Organized ‘Amrut Prabha – National Classical Vocal Music Competition’ in 2008.  Entries received from all over India and abroad were screened by a panel of renowned judges. The Final Round of the Competition featured upcoming talented artists from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chattisgarh and West Bengal.     The Competition held in three categories – classical, light-classical and bhajan was based on the compositions of internationally acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist Dr. Prabha Atre. First of its kind television programme in India based on this competition “Amrut Prabha’ – yuvakaanchi sangeet Pratibha’ was telecast on national TV channel DD Sahyadri as 7 episodes.
15	Regular visits to ashrams and temples for exposing masses to Indian classical music through devotional songs.
16	Has been giving charity programmes in aid of good cause

 

Major Contribution Towards the Enhancement of Indian Classical Music

Preservation, propagation, promotion and enrichment of Hindustani classical music by –

• carrying forward the Kirana tradition through performances, workshops, lec-dems, etc.,
• teaching students all over the world in both the traditions - guru-shishya paramparaa and institutional and bridging the gap between these two systems by establishing ‘Swaramayee Gurukul’.
• organizing multifarious cultural, educational activities including national music festivals, seminars, lec-dems, workshops, monthly baithaks to train audience under the aegis of ‘Dr. Prabha Atre Foundation’ (established by Dr. Prabha Atre).
• pioneering work in popularising Indian classical music in the West by giving full length vocal concerts, lecture-demonstrations and workshops since 1969.
• authoring academic books on the various aspects of contemporary music performance.
• composing bandishs in classical, light classical and light music to meet the changing trends in music.
• composing new raags.
• preparing and standardising - teaching material and methods for a new student of Hindustani music.

Avant-Garde Contribution in the Realm of Creativity and Performance

• Research work on ‘Sargam as musical material’ and its open advocacy in teaching and performances since 1960s.  This has enthused and paved way for other genres like light music, film, fusion, etc., to use sargam in their presentations.
• Scientific, logical approach to -

• absence of antaraa and use of only sthaayi in the presentation of vilambit khyaal.
• use of complementary themes in vilambit and drut compositions of the same raag.
• interpretation of the raag rules adding new dimension to the established form of the raag.
• Prolific presentation of semi-classical music – giving it sophistication and modern flavour setting it apart from the rendition of the courtesans.
• Enriching Hindustani music by incorporating stylistic nuances of Carnatic music.
• Making Hindustani music more appealing by giving stress on the tonal quality, voice throw, pronunciation of words and portrayal of emotional content of the words as well as notes.
• Holistic approach towards the study of music in academic institutions by incorporating all the genres from folk to classical music and also film, theatre, Carnatic, Western, and World music (ethno-musicology) and other fields of knowledge related to music like psychology, sociology, physiology, acoustics, cultural history, literature, poetry, philosophy, etc. Syllabus prepared and implemented for the Post-Graduate Dept of Music at the SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai while Dr. Atre was the Professor & Head.

MUSIC COMPOSITION

• More than 550 pieces in khyaal‑taraanas, thumri‑daadras, bhajan‑geet‑ghazals.
• New Raags: Tilang Bhairav, Kaushik Bhairav, Ravi Bhairav, Shivkali, Shivaani, Bheemavanti, Kalaaheer, Apoorva Kalyan, Bhoop Kalyan, Patdeep Malhar, Darbarikauns, Madhurakauns, etc.,
• Compositions sung by artists from all gharaanaas in their concerts and students in exams and competitions.
• Music compositions adapted to full-length dance programme `Swar-Nritya Prabha’ - choreographed by the famous danseuse-
  • Dr. Sucheta Bhide Chaphekar - Bharatanatyam style.
  • Smt. Yogini Gandhi - Kathak style.
  • Smt. Jhelum Paranjape - Odissi style.
  • Music compositions adapted for Jazz by Ms. Susanne Abbuehl from Holland and Sascha Ley from Luxembourg, Europe.
• Music composed for musical-dramas.

PUBLICATION

1. Author of articles on Musical Themes in Marathi and English in newspapers and periodicals.
   
2. Book `Swaramayee' (compilation of articles in Marathi) first published in 1984 (revised 4th edition published in 2011) received Maharashtra State Government Award in 1989.
   
3. Book `Suswaraalee' (compilation of articles in Marathi, accompanied with illustrative audio CD) first published in 1992 (revised 3rd edition published in 2011).
   
4. Book of compositions `Swaraanginee', first published in 1994 (in Hindi - revised 3rd edition - containing bandishs of morning, afternoon & evening raags - accompanied by illustrative audio CD).
   
5. ‘Swaramayee’ (in Hindi - translation of `Swaramayee' & `Suswaraalee' by Dr. Arun Bangre) - published by Madhya Pradesh Govt. Hindi Granth Academy in 1996.
   
6. A book of poems in Marathi `Antahswar' [3rd revised edition (hard copy & e-book) published by Book Ganga Publications in 2017; 2nd revised edition published by Book Mark Publications in 2007; first edition by Granthali in 1997]
   
7. A book in English `Enlightening the Listener: Contemporary North Indian Classical Vocal Music Performance' (accompanied by illustrative audio CD) published in 2000 – released by the then Prime Minister of India, Shri. Atal Behari Vajpayee. (revised 2nd edition published in 2016).
   
8. ‘Along the Path of Music’ – a book about music and musicians published in 2005 – presented by the then President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. (revised 2nd edition  published in 2016). 
   
9. A book of compositions ‘Swaranjanee’ published in 2006 [in Hindi - revised 2nd edition - containing bandishs of night raags - published in 2016 - accompanied by illustrative audio CD].
   
10. Book of poems ‘Antahswar : Inner Music’ (translation from Marathi to English, translated by Prof. Susheela Ambike) – released by Hon'ble Dr. Karan Singh, former Chairperson ICCR, renowned educationalist & cultural ambassador, in 2007.
    
11. Books in Kannada ‘Swara Yaatre’ (translation of Swaramayee), ‘Shrotruvige Arivu’ (translation of Suswaraalee; accompanied with audio CD) – translated by Prof. Sadanand Kanavalli – published in 2012.
    
12. A book of compositions ‘Swararangee’ released in 2016 (compositions of semi-claasical & light music - in  Hindi & Marathi - accompanied by illustrative audio CD).
13. English translation of books of compositions – ‘Swaraanginee’, ‘Swaranjanee’ and ‘Swararangee’ (with song-text meaning), released in 2016.
    
14. ‘Swaramayee’ & 'Suswaralee' - Hindi translation from Marathi [`Swaramayee' 4th revised edition & `Suswaraalee' 3rd revised edition, translated by Dr. Nilima Chapekar) published in 2016.
    
15. ‘Ahtahswar’ - book of poems - Hindi translation from Marathi [`Antahswar' 2nd  revised  edition, translated by Sri. Parag Chapekar) published in 2016.

PROJECTS UNDER WORK / IN LINE:

• To come up with the audio book of 'Antahswar' (Marathi)
• To publish a book on the 'Standardisation of Teaching Material for the Beginners in Hindustani Music'.
• To come-up with 'Audio-Visual Recordings to help Learning and Appreciating (with understanding) Hindustani Classical Music'.

 

Details of Recordings

Album Name	Description	Company
Night Melodies	raag Maru Bihag Vilambit Ektaal - kal nahin aaye… Drut Teentaal- jagu main sari raina …   raag Kalavati Madhyalay Ektaal – tan, man, dhan tope varun thumri – Mishra Khamaj Taal Deepchandi – kaun gali gayo shyaam…	RPG/HMV
Dr. Prabha Atre classical vocal	raag Bhairav Vilambit Ektaal – mana re tu kar dhyaan…                Drut Teentaal – he adi deva shiv shankar… Drut Jhaptaal – om namah shivaya…   raag Yaman  Vilambit Ektaal – man tu gaa re hari naam… Drut Teentaal – laagi lagi re hari sang… Taranaa - Drut Ektaal – ode tanana deem ta…   raag Chandrakauns MadhyalayEktaal– saguna saroopa nandalaala…	Tips
Dr. Prabha Atre classical vocal	raag Desi Vilambit Ektaal – suna le moridaataa… Teentaal – aaj more naiya paara utaaroon… Tarana – Drut Ektaal – daani de re na…   raag Madhuvanti VilambitEktaal – ae mana mohana shyaam… DrutEktaal – shyam more mandir aayee… Tarana – DrutTeentaal – odare daare tana dim…   daadraa – raag Mishra Shivranjani TaalKeherwaa– saavaron Nandalaalaa. .	Venus
Celebrity Selection’Chaitanya	raag Miyan Malhar, Vilambit Jhumrataal – jaa re tu kahi aur baraso… DrutEktaal – barasana laagi re...   kajri – raag Mishra Pilu Taal Dadra - ghir ke aayi badariya raam...	NA Classical
Bageshree	raag Bageshree Vilambit Ektaal – sakhi mana laage naa… Drut Teentaal – jaa ri jaa badaraa tu jaa…   thumri – raag Mishra Khamaj Taal Deepchandi– baalam chedo mat jaa...	NA Classical
Madhukauns	raag Madhukauns Madhyalay Roopaktaal – binati suno mori… Taranaa – Drut Ektaal – dim tanana tadaare…   thumri – raag Mishra Gaara Taal Deepchandi – mori na maane Shyaam...	NA Classical
‘A Unique Musical Experience with Dr. Prabha Atre’	ghazal by Prabha Atre - jaa kuni shodhuni aanaa… ghazal by Suresh Bhat – sakhyaa yaa chandanyaa raati… ghazal by Ashok G. Paranjape – daari ubhi ashee mee… ghazal by Prabha Atre – re thaamba zaraa saa manaramanaa… bhaktigeet by Ashok G. Paranjape – ranjalyaa gaanjalyaa apulaa… bhaktigeet by Yogesh Abhyankar – hari charanaashee majhe naate…	NA Classical
Sahasra-Chandra Prabha   vol.1	raag Apoorva Kalyan Vilambit Jhumraataal – saaee sabana ke... Drut Teentaal – karama karo more saaee...   daadraa : raag Mishra Kanakaangi Taal Daadraa – jaagee saaree raina	NA Classical
Sahasra-Chandra Prabha   vol.2	raag Keerwani Madhyalay Jhaptaal – nanda nandana... Taraanaa – Drut Teentaal – dir dir tanana dim...   daadraa : raag Mishra Maanjkhamaaj Taal Daadraa – balamaane churaayi nindiyaa...   hori /daadraa : raag Mishra Gaaraa Taal Keherwaa – ranga daara gayo	NA Classical
Sahasra-Chandra Prabha   vol.3	raag Raamkali Vilambit Ektaal – bhor bhaee... Drut Teentaal – saaee tuma bina...   taraanaa - raag Jaunpuri Drut Ektaal – dim tana taanom...   daadraa : raag Mishra Jogiyaa Taal Daadraa – mohe chodi gayo...	NA Classical
Sahasra-Chandra Prabha   vol.4	raag Darbaarikauns Vilambit Jhumraataal – mana too kaahe... Taraanaa – Drut Teentaal – daare dim tadim...   raag Shuddha Bhairavi Madhyalay Jhaptaal – shyaama sundara... Drut Teentaal – Taraanaa – dir dir daani...   daadraa : raag Mishra Bhairavi Taal Daadraa – ratiya kidhara...	NA Classical
Niranjani - Vol. 1	raag Puriya Kalyan  Vilambit Ektaal - bhajale hari naam… Tarana - Drut Ektaal – tanom tadim tananana…	Ninaad Music Company
Niranjani - Vol. 2	raag Shankara Vilambit Ektaal – deva mahadeva… Drut Teentaal – shiva hara hara mahadeva shankara…   raag Basant                                       Drut Ektaal – aai ri basanta ritu…	Ninaad Music Company
Anantprabha	raag Lalit Vilambit Ektaal / Jhumra - preetam darasa dikhaa… Drut Ektaal – naam ratata baar baar…   raag Bhinna-Shadhaj Madhyalay Roopktaal - kaahe aisi preet… Taranaa – Drut Teentaal - nadir dim tana derenaa…   daadraa - raag Mishra Bhairavi Taal Dadra - jaa main tose naahi bolu...	Ninaad Music company
`Rajanigandha’ Night ragas & Thumri to mark the 75th birth year of the musical genius Dr. Prabha Atre	Rajanigandha - Vol. 1 raag –  Shyaam Kalyaan Vilambit Ektaal – mana sumira shree ganesha… Tarana – Drut Ektaal – dim dim ta derena derena…   thumri – raag Mishra Des Taal Deepchandi - aayi ri ritu barkhaa…   Rajanigandha - Vol. 2 raag – Bihaag Vilambit Ektaal– aiso manamohana… Tarana – Drut Ektaal – tanom tadim deem tana…   raag Rageshree Vilambit Ektaal – ginata rahi taare… Drut Teentaal – piya ghar naa aaye…	Ninaad Music Company
Maalkauns	raag Maalkauns Vilambit Ektaal – jaako mana raam… Drut Ektaal – mana samajha baaware…                                                 daadraa – Maanj Khamaj Taal Keherwaa - Jamuna kinaare moraa gaaon...	TIMES MUSIC
Chandrakauns	raag Chandrakauns Vilambit Jhumraataal - suno mori daataa… Tarana - Drut Ektaal– dim tanana tadaare…                    daadraa – Mishra Shivaranjani Taal Keherwa - balam matwaalaa...	TIMES MUSIC
‘Amrutprabha’ a special tribute to commemorate Dr. Prabha Atre’s 75th Birthday	Amrutprabha - Vol. 1   raag Miyan ki Todi Vilambit Ektaal - mana panchi baavare… rut Teentaal - Jaa re pathikva…   raag Jogkauns   Vilambit Jhumrataal – jagat sapana… Tarana – Drut Teentaal - tana derena dim tadare daare dim…   Amrutprabha – Vol. 2 Thumri mishra Kafi – Taal Deepchandi - raanaaji main bairaagan hoongi... mishra Tilang – Taal Deepchandi – kaisi preet lagaayi...   Daadraa Mishra Gara – Taal Dadra - jiyaa moraa naa laage... Mishra Bhiravi – Taal Keherwa - bairan ratiyaa...	TIMES MUSIC

 

Books & Publications

Contact Details of Publishers

Enclosed within the shell of my mind,
I keep on at my music, my meditation eternally;
the struggles of a calcite inside an oyster;
till I sublimate that note into a dazzling pearl!

 

THE concert is over. Those who had come to meet me personally have also gradually dispersed. There is at the moment no one in the auditorium — the experience of a harmonious state of being with oneself. The body is craving for rest but the mind is still entangled in the mehfil. An indefinable pleasure starts sprouting all over in the mind side by side with a strange feeling of restlessness.

All around it is still, very still. There is really no energy left to converse with those who are accompanying me on our way back. However, for some unknown reason, there is an irrepressible desire to sing. At such times, I hum to myself. The people who are with me keep quiet. The sound of the car no more reaches me. My singing continues even after I have laid myself into bed. When I sense the stirring of the dawn I close my eyes and lie peacefully. Like the fragrance of incense the appreciative response experienced during the mehfil envelopes the whole body and mind, and resting there, I fall asleep. Two small feet appear before me in my dream, the two feet going to school.

There is a poem titled ‘kutir ka pushpa’ (the flower belonging to the cottage) by Jainendra Kumar. There is a crazy flower. The old man in the cottage had planted it. The flower cherishes only one desire. ‘ise sajaaoon, ise rijhaaoon; kewal yahi kaamanaa hai’ — ‘to adorn it, to make it happy; this is the only wish.’ The flower neither aspires to lie as an offering on the path of a revolutionary hero, nor does it want to embellish the tresses of a beautiful woman. It had just this little dream: to bring joy to the cottage which sheltered it — where it was born, grew and bloomed, and feels fulfilled thereby. I have a relationship with that flower.

I was born in Pune. My parents were teachers. Financially we were not very well off. However, though living simply, we lacked nothing. My parents were both enthusiastic and interested in artistic pursuits. The school, a high school run by The Rasta Peth Education Society — was located in the eastern part of Pune which was considered backward. There were very few girls in the school. In my class, I was the only girl. My mother — Aai, would have liked to send both her daughters to a good school and Aabaa — my father, would say, “If I send my daughters to another school, how would others send their daughters to my school?”

Not only did our school have good teachers, it also had a whole lot of extra-curricular activities like sports, cultural programmes, crafts and other things. Aabaa used to make us take part in everything. All kinds of examinations —Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit, drawing, dance, drama, music — nothing was spared. Not even the cane. Aabaa used to stand with a cane in his hand to see whether the children came to school in time or not.

Satatamoordhawam — ‘Always upward!’ a big board with this motto used to welcome everyone at the school. Even today, I walk several times in my thought on the road to the school, stand at the gate and read the motto again and again. I scan the path that has brought me this far. There is still so far to go! Aabaa used to say, “The top position is always vacant. It is easy to reach the top but difficult to continue to be there.”

Aabaa loved the school very much. He used to say, “I have three daughters. This school is my eldest.” Right from sweeping the floors to collecting the children personally by going to each one’s home, Aabaa did every kind of job. Aai too used to be by his side. Aabaa had shifted his entire household to the school. To our share came only the time that could be spared thereafter. Even at 85, Aabaa’s heart was still in the school. He was after new plans and new projects. We feel pride when we think of the running around that he did.

I studied in our school till matriculation i.e., 10th. The next step was going to College. Should I now go in for Arts or for Science? Although I was learning music, there was no intention whatsoever at that time to take up music as a profession. My parents had wanted me to be a doctor. I was enrolled in Fergusson College. Our house was at one end of the city and the college, at the other end. I used to ride daily on my bicycle. My mother used to be unwell frequently. Doing the household chores, studying, going to the college, learning music — I was always on the run. I did Inter Science but could not get admission into the medical college at Pune. As to going outside Pune, I had never been away from home. While I was doing Inter Science, Aabaa had wanted to keep me in the college hostel so that I could get time for studies. I started crying like a small child. I could not bear the idea of leaving home and staying somewhere else. Basically I was shy and timid by nature. When visitors came, I used to run to the kitchen. At school, being the only girl in my class, there was no question of my talking to the boys. Moreover, I think, the real reason was that I liked to be alone.

From childhood, I was on the whole disciplined, responsible, serious, introvert, quiet, critical and crazy about beauty of any kind. Whenever I saw, heard of or read about anything nice, I felt that I should master it. I was very particular that my surroundings and the people around me were clean. That is why I did not mix with people. I remember that I used to go to play only with those children who were clean and tidy. No one had to tell me to do my home work. When I returned home from school, I would sit at the door, do my home work for the following day and only then go inside. Every one of my examinations, I have passed with flying colours. Once, while in school, I completed the course of two years in one and passed the examination. That is how I completed my matriculation early. Sports, however was one thing that I was not particularly fond of.

Usha, my younger sister, on the other hand, was a total contrast to me; bold and playful. As a child, she always shunned work. She would collect children and keep on playing with them. But she would promptly turn up when it was meal time. She used to take away my things even till the time when she went to Nagpur to study in the medical college there. She too was unable to get admission at Pune. But she did not mind going to Nagpur. She too sang well. Usha had not learnt music, but she had a good voice, was intelligent and also had exposure to music because of my learning to sing at home. Whenever Usha said to Sureshbabu – my guru, “Please teach me also to sing.” He would say, “There is no need for you to learn. You will be able to get it just like that.”

Exposure is no doubt very important. Usha sang light music. She has several gramophone records. She gave playback for Marathi films. She sang now and then for radio and TV as well, though she never gave solo performances in public. She also acted in Marathi plays for some time. Had she decided to go in only for music and acting, she would have earned a good reputation. Due to her medical profession, she did not get time for anything else.

It was while studying at Nagpur that Usha decided to get married. Both she and her husband-to-be were studying in the same class. Dr. Suresh Wagh was a highly likeable man. Although Aai and Aabaa were not unhappy that they had no son, that void was filled when Suresh appeared on the scene. Suresh and Usha settled in Mumbai. Usha worked as an Anasthetist in Jaslok Hospital and Suresh as a Neurosurgeon in Bombay Hospital. Both of them were well known in their fields.

Usha had left her two daughters behind in India when she went to London. The elder, Kalpana, was with the mother-in-law and the younger, Manisha, was with me since she was four months old. Although her parents came back to Mumbai, she was not prepared to go to them. Usha always said, “Maavashi1 has turned her into a spoilt brat.”

That was, indeed, true to some extent. Manisha has a lot of talent in her. She, too, is a doctor like her parents but I have a strong desire that she should also sing well. She has a good voice. She is intelligent and she has had exposure. She, with her family, has now settled in the USA and has little time for music. I hope her talented daughters Nitya and Naina take music seriously.

Aai was always with Aabaa in every way. He always told us, “What we are today is entirely due to Indu.” Aai, too, had to work because of the family’s finances. Still, the house was always spick and span. She liked to sew, embroider and do similar creative crafts. When she did the cooking, Aabaa would eat more. Aai had flair for writing. Her books of stories and songs for children in Marathi have been published. Myself and Usha got Aai’s first book ‘Mittucha dukaan’ published on her sixty-first birthday. Later ‘Shiva Geetanjali’, ‘Chotya heraachi mothee kaamagiri’, ‘vinodaache bol khare jhaale’, ‘Raajaachee lekh’, ‘Airavat’ and on Aai’s ninty-first birth year, her seventh book ‘Chupaa Chupi’, a compilation of her poems got published.

Read full "The song of my life" , Download PDF here

 

 

`Dr. Prabha Atre Foundation' was registered in May 2000 by Dr. Prabha Atre, the noted Hindustani classical vocalist of the Kirana gharaanaa.  Dr. Atre is revered as a brilliant thinker, performer, academician, composer, writer and guru. Honouring her contributions to the field of Indian music, Dr. Atre has been felicitated with many-awards, to name a few, the Maharashtra State Government award, Padmashri, the Sangeet Natak Akademi award, Padmabhushan, Kalidas Samman and the Tagore Akademi Ratna.

The Foundation – a non-profit making organization has taken inception with a main aim to promote, propagate and popularize the Indian performing arts in general and the Indian classical music in particular; besides to spread Indian culture, Indian philosophy, fine arts, literature, and other fields of knowledge. 

The Foundation's activities – to discover, encourage and establish rising artists; to organize cultural programmes, lectures, seminars, conferences, work shops, literary meets; collect, publish and produce literature, audio-video recordings, archival material; support needy individuals and institutions – facilitate to achieve the main objectives by joining hands with various personalities and institutions, Indian and abroad.

The Foundation has established `Swaramayee Gurukul’ in 2003 at Pune. The institution, an endeavor to fulfill socio-cultural commitments; aims to bridge the prevailing gap between the academic institutions and the traditional guru-shishya paramparaa. Gurukul runs classes at Mumbai, Pune, New Panvel and Solapur.

Nearly 275 music related programmes – concerts, music festivals, academic programmes like seminar, workshops, lec-dems, music competitions, etc., have been organized by Dr. Prabha Atre and Dr. Prabha Atre Foundation since 1965 in Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Delhi.

The Foundation renders assistance to institutions and individuals working for a `cause'.

P.S.:  The Foundation requests philanthropists to donate generously for the cause of classical music & performing arts.  (All donations to the Foundation are eligible for deduction U/S 80G of the Income Tax Act).

Dr. Prabha Atre Foundation,
17 Madhavi Society, 277C Mogul Lane,
Mahim, Mumbai – 400 016.
Ph: 022-24360713  Mob: 98204-68106    
email: DrPAFoundation@gmail.com

Swaramayee Gurukul was started in Pune under the aegis of `Dr. Prabha Atre Foundation’ as a major step to fulfill one of the objectives of the Foundation. The Gurukul was inaugurated on 15th April 2003 by the Hindustani classical music maestro Pt. Bhimsen Joshi.

Dr. Atre spent her formative years in Pune where she was born, brought up and educated. Her attachment to the place made her choose Pune for the project.

Swaramayee Gurukul has been a dream project of Dr. Prabha Atre. It aims at bridging the prevailing gap between the academic institutions and the traditional guru-shishya paramparaa. The institution endeavours to fulfill socio-cultural commitments.

Swaramayee Gurukul plans to nurture talented students into professionals who aspire to take music as a career, by providing training aided by a small auditorium, facility for audio-video recording, library of audio-video recordings and books, etc., The mini auditorium is meant for mehfils, seminars, workshops, meetings, press conferences, etc.,

Swaramayee Gurukul besides imparting training in performance holds monthly traditional baithaks as one of its important activity to supplement lecture-demonstrations, seminars, workshops, etc.,

In its thirteen years of functioning Gurukul has made a marked beginning in that -

1. Nearly 25 talented students from all over India aspiring to be professional musicians have been receiving music training.

2. 8 foreign national students who are professionals in their respective fields are receiving training in the Hindustani classical style.

3. Has branches at Mumbai, New Panvel and Sholapur. The Gurukul branches cater to the music requirements in the North Indian classical, semi-classical and light vocal music category and tabla and harmonium classes. Beginners and students in advanced category learn Hindustani classical music. The emphasis is on performance. However, students are trained and equipped to appear for exams of various Universities and the Akhila Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal.

4. Monthly baithaks: Gurukul has organized nearly 180 monthly programmes / baithaks in its mini auditorium at its premises during the last thirteen years. The objective of baithaks is to rejuvenate the culture of the Bharatiya mehfils. In a live concert of Indian classical music, the presence of an initiated listener who is conversant with the concepts, material, technique and end structures, makes a lot of difference even at the level of entertainment. These programmes are not ticketed and are open to all music-lovers. Publicity is done thro’ media (news and advertisement), posters, advance announcements (in previous concerts and posters), e-mails, etc.,

The baithak series is informal in nature trying to establish a rapport between the audience and the performer. The concert has the artist himself giving an introduction to his art, his formative years of training, the bandish (composition), his thought / approach to the raag structure, etc., At the end of the concert is held a dialogue / interaction session between the audience and the performer.

The baithaks are organized by the students in terms of making arrangements for publicity, stage, sound, reception, presentation, hospitality, etc., All these activities give a good exposure to a learner who wishes to mould himself in all aspects of performance.

Listening to music is an art and there are no conscious efforts to train the listeners. Gurukul baithaks in their small way help the listeners enjoy music with understanding.

• Library of Books and Audio Recordings: a small library of books and audio recordings has been set up. The facilities are open to the music loving public also.
  
• Music classes: Gurukul gives training in ‘tabla’, ‘harmonium’, ‘Hindustani classical & light vocal music’ for beginners & ‘special vocal music lessons for aspiring professionals’
• Kathak dance classes.
• Communication Skills and Personality Development classes.
• Yoga classes.

For the coming years the Gurukul plans to –

• start other dance classes like Bharatanatyam for children.
• Music appreciation courses --- to help music lovers appreciate, understand music --- mass education.
• Extend / expand the library and include video recordings as well.
• Start a recording studio to train the students in voice culture, self monitoring, assessing their own performance and also to get acquainted with the operation of the professional recording equipment. The studio will be made open for public use in due course. >

Apart from teaching music as an art form for entertainment, Swaramayee Gurukul considers music as a social need, a character building component & a cultural identity.

SWARAMAYEE GURUKUL,
1206-B/16 Jungli Maharaj Road,
(opp. Sambhaji Park; adj. lane to Hotel Shiv Sagar ),
Shivaji Nagar, Pune 411 004.
Tel: 020-25531891 
Mob: 98204-68106 (Dr. Bharathi M.D.)
86055-25853 (Mrs. Varsha Kirad)
Email: DrPAFoundation@gmail.com | swaramayee@gmail.com

Awards Instituted in the name of DR. PRABHA ATRE

• Swarayoginee Dr. Prabha Atre Shaastreeya Sangeet Puraskar’ – national award instituted by Pune's Gaanvardhan & Tatyasaheb Natu Foundation to honour talented artists - since 2010.

Awards Instituted by Dr. Prabha Atre

• In the name of her parents Shri. DATTATRAYA PILAJI nee ABASAHEB ATRE and Smt. INDIRA ATRE, well known teachers who served in various teaching and management posts at the Institutions of The Rasta Peth Education Society, Pune (working for the cause of education for more than 90 years in the economically and socially backward areas of Eastern Pune.)

 

• STATE-LEVEL AWARDS, in association with The Rasta Peth Education Society, Pune –
  
• Guruvarya Abasaheb Atre Puraskar

• Indira Abasaheb Atre Puraskar

- for teachers who have primarily contributed in the field of education and have also worked selflessly in other fields like social work, sports, culture, arts, science and technology, etc., and thus have set an example for the students and society.

 

• in the name of her sister DR. USHA WAGH nee ATRE, a well known light music artist -
• Usha Atre Puraskar’ in association with 'Swaranand Pratishthan', a renowned organisation working for the promotion of light music – since 1997.

 

• in the name of her sister `Dr. Usha Suresh Wagh', renowned Aneasthetist, in association with University of Mumbai – since 1997.

• 'Dr. Usha Suresh Wagh Prize' for M.D., student passing in the first attempt & scoring highest avg. points in the Branch of Anaesthesia.

 

• in the name of her brother-in-law `Dr. Suresh Sadashiv Wagh', renowned neuro-surgeon - in association with University of Mumbai – since 1997.
  • 'Dr. Suresh Sadashiv Wagh Prize' for M.S., student passing in the first attempt & scoring highest average points in the Branch of Neuro-surgery.

   

Music Festivals in honour of DR. PRABHA ATRE -

• Annual music festival ‘GAAN PRABHA’ organised by Hridayesh Arts, a renowned cultural organisation in Mumbai, since 1993.
• Annual music festival ‘SWARA PRABHA’ organised by Basari Foundation, Pune, since 2015.

 

Aalok Sangeet Shastra aur Prastuti Interview Series

 

28-10-2017

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27-10-2017

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13-10-2017

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21-09-2017

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21-09-2017

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18-11-2017

7th session - "Aalok - sangeet shaastra aur prastuti' : Disciples of Dr. Prabha Atre giving a demonstration while Dr. Atre gave a presentation on 'Forms in Hindustani Light Vocal Music'.

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21-09-2017

Dr Prabha Atre in conversation with Dr. Chaitanya Kunte at Pune University - "Aalok: Sangeet Shastra Aur Prastuti" interview series.

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20-08-2017

Hindustani classical vocal recital by Shri. Sarathi Chatterjee at Swaramayee Gurukul, Pune – 20-8-2017 accompanied by Pt. Arvind Kumar Azad (tabla) & Shri. Chaitanya Kunte (harmonium)

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30-07-2017

Sri. Krishnendra Wadikar, accompanied by Madhav Modak (T) & Uday Kulkarni (H) presenting Hindustani classical vocal recital at the monthly baithak series, Swaramayee Gurukul, Pune (30-7-2017)

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21-07-2017

Release of 'Antahswar' hard copy & e-book (poems on musical experiences in Marathi - 3rd rev edn) seen (L → R) : Supriya Limaye, Director – BookGanga Publications; Prasad Bhadsawale, Chairperson – Gaanvardhan; Dr. Prabha Atre, K.G. Dharmadhikari, President – Gaanvardhan; Dr. Praveen Bhole, Head – Lalit Kala Kendra; noted poet Sri. Praveen Dawane.

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21-07-2017

Dr. Prabha Atre being interviewed by noted poet Sri. Praveen Dawane on the topic ''Antahswar : maajhyaa rachanaa, majhyaa bandishi''

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16-07-2017

Smt. Poornima Kulkarni, accompanied by Milind Pote (T) & Suresh Phadtare (H) presenting Hindustani classical vocal recital at the monthly baithak series, Swaramayee Gurukul, Pune (16-7-2017)

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21-05-2017

Smt. Durba Bhattacharyya, accompanied by Madhav Modak (T) & Uday Kulkarni (H) presenting Hindustani classical vocal recital at the monthly baithak series of Swaramayee Gurukul, Pune (21-5-2017)

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09-04-2017

Sitar recital by Sri. Saptarshi Hazra accompanied by Pt. Arvind Kumar Azad (T), at the monthly baithak series, Swaramayee Gurukul, Pune (9-4-2017)

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19-03-2017

Shri. Iman Das, accompanied by Subhas Kanti Das (T) & Shravan Potdar (H) presenting Hindustani classical vocal recital at the monthly baithak series, Swaramayee Gurukul, Pune (19-3-2017)

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12-02-2017

Vidushi Suranjana Bose, accompanied by Ajinkya Joshi (T) & Rahul Gole (H) presenting Hindustani classical vocal recital at the monthly baithak series of Swaramayee Gurukul, Pune (12-2-2017)

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08-01-2017

Vidushi Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar, accompanied by Yogesh Godbole (T) & Rohit Marathe (H) presenting Hindustani classical vocal recital at the restart of the monthly baithak series of Swaramayee Gurukul, Pune (8-1-2017)

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Books

 

Music Albums

Coming soon....

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Raag Madhuvantee

Raag Kalavati

Raag Bhairavee

Raag ChandraKaus

Raag Shankaraa

Raag Bhairavee

Pta. Jhelum Paranjape - presenting Odissi dance recital based on the compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre (19th April 2016, IHC, New Delhi & 5th June 2016, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai)

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Pt. Anand Bhate - presenting Marathi bhaktigeet compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre (5th June 2016, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai))

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Pta. Sadhana Sargam - presenting Marathi ghazal compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre (5th June 2016, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai)

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Hindustani classical vocal recital by Pta. Dhanashree Pandit-Rai - presenting semi-classical music compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre (19th April 2016, IHC, New Delhi & 5th June 2016, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai)

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Hindustani classical vocal recital by Pt. Venkatesh Kumar, Padmashree & Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee - presenting classical music compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre (18th April 2016, IHC, New Delhi & 4th June 2016, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai)

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Hindustani classical vocal recital by Pt. Ajay Pohankar, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee - presenting classical & semi-classical music compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre (4th June 2016, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai)

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Hindustani classical vocal recital by Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee - presenting classical music compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre (18th April 2016, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi)

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"Amrut Prabha" – National Classical Vocal Music Competition’

"Reality shows are bombarding TV audience..."

--Santoor Maestro Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma

"Provide platforms to the talented youth of classical performing arts."

--Dr. Prabha Atre speaks at National classical vocal music competiton based on her compositions

Pune, 7th Nov. 2008: ‘National Classical Vocal Music Competition – Amrutprabha’ based on the compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre was held in honour of her contributions to Indian music on the occasion of her completing 75th birth year. Dr. Atre is amongst the very few Hindustani classical vocalists who is not only an outstanding performer but also a brilliant thinker, distinguished composer, noted academician, acclaimed author, revered guru and sensitive poetess.
’Swaramayee’ – a group of Prabha Atreji’s admirers from all over India’ had organized the competition with an objective to explore and promote the best available talent in and outside the country. The competition included classical, semi-classical and bhajan categories. Candidate in the age group of 20 to 40 years, not ‘A’ graded artist of AIR were eligible to participate. Recordings received from all over India and abroad were assessed by an expert panel. The final round of the competition had participants performing who were from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chattisgarh and West Bengal. Dr. Suhashini Koratkar, Dr. Vikas Kashalkar, Dr. Shobha Abhyankar and Pt. Vijay Bakshi judged the competitors.
Ms. Chetana Banawat of Rajasthan bagged the First Prize in Classical, second prize in semi-classical and bhajan categories. Ms. Arati Thakur of Maharashtra won the first prize in the semi-classical music category. While Ms. Mrunmayee Siknis of Maharashtra won the second prize in the classical music category the third prize was shared between Ms. Ashwini Bhagane of Maharashtra and Mrs. Ashvini Modak of Chattisgarh. The First prize carried a cash award of Rs.10,000=00, Second Prize of Rs.8,000=00 and Third Prize of Rs.6,000=00 along with a memento and certificate. All competitors who entered the Final Round received a certificate.
Santoor maestro Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma distributing the prizes said: “Television viewers are being bombarded with reality shows connected mainly with film songs in the name of providing platform to hidden talent of the country. Quality of the traditional music in the country is an indicator of its cultural health. It is the responsibility of the Society to encourage and provide platform to the talented upcoming artists and students of classical performing arts”.
Dr. Prabha Atre replying to the honour bestowed said: “We are only projecting film music and is Indian music only film music? Our traditional classical music or raag music is the soul of Indian music which we seem to neglect. Everything in nature changes with time, so also music. Tradition is not a stagnant pool. It flows with time accommodating new changes and that is why we need new compositions for classical music. The so called traditional compositions were also ‘new’ at one point of time. We need to encourage new talent and national level competitions is a powerful tool to identify talent in classical music”.

The recording of this competion was telecasted as

"AMRUT PRABHA'- yuvakaanchi sangeet pratibha'

on DD Sahyadri in December 2008. Watch Video Recordings of the program below:
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Amrutprabha- Episode 1

Amrutprabha- Episode 2

Amrutprabha- Episode 3

Amrutprabha- Episode 4

Amrutprabha- Episode 5

Amrutprabha- Episode 6

Amrutprabha- Episode 7

Amrutprabha- Episode 8

Amrutprabha- Episode 9

Amrutprabha- Episode 10

News clip in Maharashtra Times dated 20/11/2017

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Dr Prabha Atre bestowed with Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar Puraskar

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Swarayoginee Puraskar 2017

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