We are dedicated to advancing multicultural awareness and preserving cultural heritage through the universal language of music.

Born from a three-generation lineage of master musicians in India, our journey now finds its voice in Tampa’s intimate concert halls—where tradition meets community, and music serves as a timeless bridge between cultures.

How a Master Musician Brought World-Class Indian Classical Music to Tampa Bay

Shankh Lahiri comes from a distinguished lineage of master musicians in India. His father, sitarist Rabindranath Lahiri, trained under the legendary Ustad Dabir Khan of the revered Senia tradition.

From an early age, Shankh received intensive training in both Hindustani vocal music and tabla under his father’s guidance. He later became the senior disciple of Pandit Nayan Ghosh, deepening his artistry through years of rigorous traditional talim.

After advanced study and acclaimed performances in India and worldwide, he has shared the stage with iconic artists including Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Shujaat Khan, Ustad Shahid Parvez, and Rakesh Chaurasia, among many others.

He has performed at prestigious international festivals such as the San Remo Music Festival and South by Southwest, and at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Rockwood Music Hall, and Blue Note Jazz Club, among many others worldwide.

But everywhere he went, he saw the same need:

Families want their next generations to stay connected with their roots.
People curious about Indian classical music but intimidated by its perceived exclusivity.
Music lovers who wanted access to real, living tradition—not recordings, but intimate experiences with world-class artists.

When Tampa Bay became home, Shankh realized: What if this could be the place where Indian classical music wasn't rare or distant—but intimate, accessible, and alive?

Shruti Foundation was born.

The Mission Today

Today, we serve 500+ members across Tampa Bay. We've brought 100+ world-class artists to intimate stages. We've taught 1,000+ students tabla and Hindustani classical vocals.

But the mission hasn't changed:

"To unite the world through the power of music and dance—one concert, one class, one moment of shared wonder at a time."

When you walk into a Shruti Foundation event or class, you're not just a spectator or student. You're part of a lineage, a tradition, a global conversation happening in real time.

And you belong here—whether you've been listening to ragas your whole life, or you just discovered the word "tabla" 10 minutes ago.

Our Philosophy: Music Has No Borders

Tradition Is Alive, Not Frozen

Indian classical music is a living, evolving art form. Our concerts blend classical purity with world fusion experiments. Our classes honor centuries-old technique while making it accessible for modern learners.

Everyone Belongs Here

You don't need to speak Hindi. You don't need to know what a "teental" is. Whether you're reconnecting with your roots or discovering something entirely new, Shruti Foundation welcomes you exactly as you are. Our community is global curious souls from a variety of backgrounds.

Meet Shankh Lahiri: Your Guide to Indian Classical Music

Shankh Lahiri is a master tabla player, vocalist, and composer, hailing from a distinguished lineage of master musicians in India.

Training

Shankh Lahiri received his initial and advanced training in Hindustani vocal music and tabla from his father, Rabindranath Lahiri. He further pursued advanced training with Pandit Sandeep Dev in Kolkata, and for the past two decades has continued his talim as a senior disciple of Pandit Nayan Ghosh.

Performed With

Pandit Jasraj • Ustad Shujaat Khan • Ustad Shahid Parvez • Rakesh Chaurasia • Arati Ankalikar • Rakesh Chaurasia • Selva Ganesh

Stages

Chicago Jazz Festival • Raga Live (NYC) • Gasparilla Music Festival • Learn Quest Festival (Boston) • Lights on Tampa • San Ramon Music Festival • South by Southwest • Carnegie Hall • Rockwood Music Hall • Blue Note Jazz Club

Active Projects

WAHH (World Fusion Band) • Shankh & Friends

When Shankh teaches, you're learning from someone who still tours internationally, still collaborates with legends, and still lives and breathes this art form every single day.

"Music is a conversation—between rhythm and melody, teacher and student, tradition and innovation. My job isn't to gatekeep. It's to invite you into the conversation."

— Shankh Lahiri

Meet the Team Behind the Music

Shruti Foundation is powered by passionate volunteers and dedicated leaders who believe in music's power to unite.

Operations Manager

Gabriel Corrales & Ajay Kokeram

(813) 966-3493

Gabriel and Ajay oversee day-to-day operations, event coordination, and community outreach—ensuring every concert, class, and gathering runs smoothly. They're the heart of logistics and your first point of contact for event planning and operational questions.

Executive Board of Members

Sunil Majethia

Executive Board Member

Avinash Sharma

Executive Board Member

Satish Ankalikar

Executive Board Member

Jigisha M Desai

Executive Board Member

Finance Manager

Dr. Dharmendra Ramdehal

Dr. Ramdehal oversees Shruti Foundation's financial stewardship, ensuring transparency and sustainability as we continue to serve Tampa Bay's music community.

Join 500+ Tampa Bay Music Lovers

Ages 5–75

Our youngest and oldest students

Members across Tampa Bay

Students taught

World-class artists

Meet Shankh Lahiri - World-Touring Tabla Master

A third-generation musician and son of visionary sitarist Shri Rabindranath Lahiri, Shankh is a devoted disciple of tabla maestro Pandit Nayan Ghosh and the founder of Tampa Bay's Shruti Foundation cultural events series. He has performed Indian classical music on stages across India and the United States alongside legendary artists such as Pt. Jasraj, Ustad Shujaat Khan, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Rakesh Chaurasia, and Selva Ganesh. From the Chicago Jazz Festival to Raga Live NYC and intimate Tampa concert venues, Shankh brings world-class artistry to every performance, sharing that same deep devotion with his students.