---

Plenary Talk at MBCC 2023:

---

Abstract:

This talk will share insights through illustrative first-hand examples on how genius can be created and nurtured. Questions discussed will include: What sets apart genius apart from normal experts and achievers? Can tapping into the depths in one field open doorways to others?

How the inherently multi disciplinary and unitary nature of Indian Knowledge Systems subliminally embedded in cultural practices is a fertile field for fostering the blossoming of genius not only marked by exceptional competence and originality, but also an inclusive outlook beyond oneself for societal and global well-being.

The pointers in this talk could ignite inspiration to embark on an exciting journey of professional excellence and personal fulfilment and also highlight how true evolution is about treating personal development and possible successes as mere platforms to contribute towards larger causes.

---

Bio:

RAVIKIRAN is among the most significant contributors to Indian Music and Culture from age 2, when he stunned the world as a 2-year old prodigy, identifying and demonstrating 325 Indian Classical Ragas (Scales/Modes) and 175 talas (Time Signatures), inspiring Sitar icon Pt Ravi Shankar to declare, ‘If you don’t believe in God, look at Ravikiran’. He presented vocal concerts between the age of 5 and 10 across India with top co-artists in prominent venues. From age 12, he has been enthralling audiences in numerous countries on the 21-stringed slide, Chitravina and is rated as one of the all time greats of Indian music.

Ravikiran is widely regarded as a most prolific and inventive composer with over 1050 Music, Dance and Western Orchestral compositions to his credit, which include operas such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. His historic achievements include setting to music the entire 1330 Tirukkural verses of Tiruvalluvar in merely 16 hours and creating a set of 108 original compositions on the 108 Divya Deshams of Vishnu in only 45 days.

Inventor of the paradigm-shifting concept of Melharmony, which explores new chords and counterpoints based on melodic progression, Ravikiran has introduced over 100 Indian Ragas to Western Orchestras and World Music Ensembles, collaborated with frontline artists of diverse genres, mentored numerous award-winning performers and educators, initiated distance learning and online courses in Indian music, penned scores of books and articles, raised substantial funds for educational, health and social initiatives like the Musicians’ Covid Relief Fund, pioneered Rural Empowerment through Music and Arts Education and initiated Climate Literacy and Action Drives to prevent an environmental meltdown in the planet.

Ravikiran has been decorated with numerous Awards and Titles in several countries, in many instances being the first or youngest to receive such honours, including the President of India’s Senior Sangeet Natak Akademi Award at age 39. He attributes all his success to the revolutionary guru, Chitraivina Narasimhan, the iconic T Brinda and the legends who have inspired him.