Board of Directors

(239) 851-4352  

ramiah.krishnan@gmail.com

Passionate about Indian Classical music, Lakshmi’s dream of sharing this with the Community of SWFL is being fulfilled through Raaga.  Lakshmi takes pleasure in giving vocal music lessons to the youth and adult members of Raaga.

(239) 770-8242  shaila@raagafl.org

Shaila hails from the colorful state of Rajasthan, India. She has been an avid Khathak  dancer , an  Indian classical dance of Jaipur gharana, since the age of 5 . Shaila believes Raaga  is a great tool in bringing diversity , tolerance and knowledge of Indian Arts and culture to the youth and adults of SWFL.

(239) 994-7120

anju@raagafl.org

Anju welcomes donations to support all Raaga activities and makes sure our nonprofit status is maintained.

(239) 851-0480  mnandur@raagafl.org

As a teenager, I was always interested in music from the USA.  But on coming here, I realized how much I missed my culture, that was pervasive everywhere in India.  Now looking to foster Indian Culture and encouraging Indian artists, I enjoy contributing to Raaga by putting together publicity material and maintaining the Raaga website and the YouTube RaagaFL channel.

I am also appreciative of the music classes conducted by Lakshmi Krishnan.

(239) 994-0547

Moved to Fort Myers straight from Hyderabad, India in 1998. Loves Music and meeting people.

Married to Anjana and has one son Vandit Bhatt.

nithya@raagafl.org

Utilizing a decade of experience as an entrepreneur in the Information Technology sector, I am delighted to contribute my expertise to further Raaga's mission. However, it is in the enchanting world of Indian classical dance where my heart truly thrives, finding boundless inspiration. Actively involved in cultural activities and community events, I endeavor to impart the richness of Indian culture to everyone around me. Through Raaga, I've discovered a profound avenue for giving back to our community, steadfastly championing the traditions that hold a special place in my heart.

(908) 268-4093

Malathi hails from southern India and grew up in Mumbai. She enjoys and appreciates all genres of music and dance. She is an avid reader and traveler.

It is an interesting story about how I got interested in Carnatic Music. Growing up in Sri Lanka, a developing country, I hardly had any free time other than for studies. Very occasionally visiting rich friends I had the occasion to listen to Carnatic music broadcasts from Trivandrum, Tuticorin and Vijayawada stations. In 1972 walking with friends in a very upscale shopping mall in Washington DC, I saw a Carnatic Music record being displayed. Perplexed that an upscale shop would sell a Carnatic Music record, I bought and listened to it again and again and got fascinated and “addicted” to Carnatic Music. The record was none other than Mohana Rama by Lalgudi, Ramani (Flute) and Venkataraman (Veena).

Carnatic music is an integral part of Indian cultural heritage. Musicologists and musicians contribute to the preservation and propagation of this ancient art form. It serves as a link to our rich musical legacy and helps to keep our traditions alive. I am fortunate to retire in a community with a great Guru and the Raaga organization and friends interested in propagating this form of art.

Being raised in a traditional south indian household, Carnatic music has always been part of my life. It's amazing how music unites people across cultural and language barriers. I'm proud to be part of a non-profit organization like Raaga that strives to bring the vast richness of Indian culture to the diverse and ever growing population of SWFL.