In a momentous recognition of her dedication to the classical storytelling tradition of Harikatha, young prodigy Shree Vayidehi (Champakavalli) has been awarded the Sri Shanmukhananda Bank of Baroda Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship in Music for the second consecutive year. The fellowship was presented by the Honorable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari.
Instituted by the Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha, the prestigious fellowship honors emerging talent across Indian classical music forms, including Harikatha, Nadaswaram, and Hindustani vocal. It carries an annual grant of ₹1 lakh for three years, aimed at supporting young artists in their journey of artistic excellence.
Shree Vayidehi’s oratory and musical journey was shaped through early exposure to Sanskrit, Yoga, and the Ramayana, guided by her father and mentor Dr. R. Ranganji. Her engaging Harikatha performances have moved audiences both in India and abroad, reflecting a strong command of spiritual content and a deep commitment to tradition.
Winning this fellowship at such a young age highlights her remarkable talent and promising future in carrying forward the rich legacy of Harikatha.
Her discourses on themes like Sita Kalyanam, Bharata’s devotion, Hanuman’s divine strength, Ashtanga Yoga, and Gajendra Moksham reflect not only her deep understanding of sacred texts but also her dedication to conveying them with authenticity, staying true to the original scriptures and the intent of their authors.