Guru & Shishya
Guru
Babu Parameswaran is a versatile musician who has made his home in Irvine, California, and has been actively performing in the United States for more than 25 years. His two-decade stint at Bharatakalanjali run by the Dhananjayans has made him a sought after Bharatanatyam vocalist in the US. An artist who always has a word of encouragement for peers and students alike, Babu Parameswaran is the founder director of Keerthana School of Indian Music & Fine Arts in Los Angeles, California.
He is one of the most sought after musicians who specializes in singing Indian Classical Music. He is a versatile artist who can sing both the Carnatic and Hindustani styles of music and Keyboard artist who can create great music on newly developed synthesizers.
He has performed in most major festivals like the Festival of India in Moscow. He has composed music for many dance productions like Meera, The Nutcracker, The Cinderella, Tagores Shyama, Thulsi Ramayan, Kalidasas Malavika Haricharan and many others. He has performed in the Carnegie Hall, as well as for the proclamation of the Pandit Ravishankar day in San Diego.
He has performed with leading dancers like The Dhananjayans, Dr.Vyjayanthi Mala Bali, Guru Adyar Lakshman, and he has also performed for India’s Dancer Icon Prahu Deva and many others.
Shishya
Saanika Kumar has been learning Carnatic classical keyboard from Shri. Babu Paremeswaran for over eight years. Over the years, she has come to love learning and playing the keyboard, whether individually or with others. Saanika has performed at many of the Keerthana School of Music's annual day programs and functions at local temples.
She is a junior at Northwood High, where she continues to challenge herself with honors and AP classes. These challenges have helped her improve her dedication, persistence, and enthusiasm. She also participated in the tech crew during her school's production of Willy Wonka last year.
Outside of school and keyboard, her hobbies include yoga, reading, and listening to music. Saanika first became interested in yoga last year at her school and is now on her way to become a yoga teacher. She is also a recipient of the PVSA (Presidential Volunteer Service Award) gold medal after contributing numerous hours to community service.
She has also been an active member in KCA (Kannada Cultural
Association) and JCYC (Jain Center Youth Committee) for several cultural events. For Saanika, playing the keyboard has become a way to enjoy Carnatic classical music and connect to Indian art and culture.
