SAMARTHANAM SUNADHA
Performing Arts beyond barriers
Vision Through Sound: Anusha’s pathway to Light
ANUSHA (SINGER), PRINCIPAL, PERFORMER – VISION THROUGH SOUND
Anusha, from Gangavathi in Karnataka’s Koppal district, is a visually impaired musician whose journey reflects passion, resilience, and artistic excellence. Trained through the Gurukul system under Vidushi Vijaya Jadhav Gatlewar (Jaipur Gharana) from 2012–2016 at the Dr. Gangubai Hangal Gurukul in Hubli, she later went on to complete her Master’s degree in Hindustani Music. She further strengthened her capabilities with computer skills training from Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.
Today, Anusha serves as the Principal of Samarthanam’s Institute of Music & Performing Arts, where she earlier contributed as Hindustani Vocal Faculty and Head of Department. Her artistry has illuminated prestigious platforms including ITC Sangeet Research Academy (Kolkata), ICCR (Chennai & Bengaluru), DKS Divya Kala Shakti, Kittur Utsav, Hampi Utsav, Radio Udan (Delhi), and spiritual spaces such as the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.
Her achievements span celebrated recognitions:
Basavashree Award (2017) – Bidar
Tanu Kannada Mana Kannada Award (2018) – Tanu Foundation
Gold Medal, Youth Festival (2019)
Appearances on Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (2024)
Performances at MAHE Utsav, Paralympics, and UNESCO events in Paris, where she represented India on global stages.
Anusha has been blessed and encouraged by legendary maestros such as Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Mani Prasad, Dr. M. Rajam, Pt. Kaivalya Kumar Gurav, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Pt. Venkatesh Kumar, Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Shreya Ghoshal, Hamsalekha, and Ricky Kej. She has also shared the stage with Bollywood playback singer Kunal Ganjawala.
The Samarthanam Sisters
Anusha is the lead voice of the “Samarthanam Sisters,” a duo of visually impaired artists launched on 21 June 2025. The duo has been making waves globally with their multilingual, multi-genre performances that blend classical depth with contemporary appeal. Their inspiring presence has strengthened the visibility of artists with disabilities on international platforms.
The Samarthanam Sisters have also been active supporters of Blind Cricket, contributing significantly to fundraising efforts for the USA Women’s Blind Cricket Team, using music as a catalyst for social cause and empowerment.
Anusha’s journey is a testament to unwavering dedication, profound musicality, and the transformative power of pursuing one’s passion against all odds. Her voice continues to inspire, uplift, and create meaningful impact across communities and continents.
Vision Through Sound: The Inspiring Life of Balasubramanyam Grandhi
GRANDHI BALA SUBRAMANYA- THE PEOPLE’S SINGER
Balasubramanyam hailing from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh is a talented singer despite being visually impaired. He discovered his passion for singing at a young age and received free training in music and computer skills from Samarthanam. In 2014, he was introduced to Samarthanam during an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) sponsored music concert. For the past nine years, Bala has showcased his singing abilities in various parts of the world as part of Samarthanam, including his debut performance in the US. He has also given concerts in the UK and North America, including the Vishwa Kannada Association (NAVIKA) in 2015 and an incredible performance at the World Bank USA program in 2018. Bala is proficient in all south Indian languages, Hindi and other popular Indian languages for him, singing is a means of expressing himself to the world, and with the training at Samarthanam, he has been able to connect with people through his music
Echoes of Passion: Divya’s journey in Carnatic Music
DIVYA.R.P (SINGER) -A MELODY OF RESILIENCE AND TALENT
Divya, the 37-year-old visually impaired lead vocalist for Sunadha, has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and emotional performances. With a degree in Carnatic music, her journey began at Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled five years ago, where she honed her skills and built confidence.
Rising to prominence, Divya’s versatile repertoire spans various genres, showcasing her dedication and passion. Her ultimate goal is to become a renowned stage actor, using her platform to challenge stereotypes about disabilities. Also, as a faculty member at Samarthanam’s Institute for Music and Performing Arts, Divya not only entertains but also educates and inspires, advocating for a more inclusive society. Her story is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and community support.
PRANAY THAPA -THE VERSATILE MUSICIAN
A remarkable artist and a vital member of Team Sunadha, Pranay Thapa is from Kalimpong of West Bengal. Despite being visually impaired, Pranay’s extraordinary talent shines brightly. His deep-rooted passion for music and musical instruments began in his childhood, propelling him towards an inspiring journey. Upon joining Samarthanam after completing his schooling, Pranay dedicated himself to honing his musical skills. Through rigorous training in both instruments and singing, he transformed his passion into expertise. His unwavering determination led him to become an instrumental trainer, empowering individuals with disabilities to discover their own unique abilities.
Pranay’s versatility is awe-inspiring. As a flutist, guitarist, keyboard player, and an enchanting singer, he effortlessly navigates different musical realms. His ability to master these diverse roles is a testament to his dedication and innate musicality. Through his performances, Pranay not only captivates audiences but also breaks down barriers, proving that talent knows no bounds. In every note he plays and every melody he crafts, Mr Pranay Thapa embodies the essence of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of music. His journey continues to inspire, encouraging others to overcome challenges and follow their dreams.
Vision Through Sound: Ashok’s pathway to Light
Ashok H, a gifted and visually impaired musician from Davangere, Karnataka, is a true testament to dedication, resilience, and passion. Since joining Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in 2015, he has harnessed the power of music to express himself, emerging as a versatile keyboardist through a blend of instrument classes and relentless self-learning. Over the past eight years, his talent and hard work have transformed him into a multifaceted musician, with skills in the violin and a foundational grasp of the flute.
Ashok’s impressive journey has seen him take the stage at prestigious platforms across the world. His notable performances include the Navika Vishwa Kannada conference, the World Conference in Delhi in 2017, and international stages in England and Paris, where he represented Indian talent with pride. His talent and achievements have earned him accolades, including a “Best Performer” award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to music and the arts.
Ashok’s journey is not only one of personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for aspiring visually impaired musicians everywhere. His story inspires others to push beyond limitations and redefine the possibilities in the world of music.
Master of Rhythm: The life and music of Badesab Mobasab Nadaf
Badesab Mobasab Nadaf, a remarkable visually impaired musician hailing from Dharwad, Karnataka, has dedicated his life to mastering and sharing the art of music. From an early age, Badesab displayed an innate talent for rhythm and percussion, which led him to learn the tabla, a classical Indian percussion instrument, during his school years. His determination and passion for music have since taken him across India and the world, showcasing his abilities and inspiring countless others.
Badesab worked as a tabla player and a Braille teacher at the Athani Christian Institute in Belgaum for seven years. During this time, he not only honed his musical skills but also empowered visually impaired students by teaching them Braille. His love for music continued to grow as he performed in 17 different states across India, gaining recognition and appreciation for his talent.
In pursuit of expanding his musical repertoire, Badesab joined Samarthanam Trust, an organization dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities. Under the mentorship of Narayana, a skilled music teacher, Badesab learned to play the keyboard in just two months. His dedication and quick learning earned him professional recognition as a keyboard player, and he now teaches students, imparting his musical knowledge and guiding them to follow their dreams.
Notable Performances:
Badesab’s journey as a musician has taken him to some of the most prestigious stages. He performed tabla at ICCR (Chennai) and graced the stage of the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival in Dharwad, one of India’s most revered platforms for classical music. Recently, his talent was recognized internationally when he traveled to Paris to perform at the Paralympics and UNESCO, representing the rich musical heritage of India on a global stage.
Badesab Mobasab Nadaf continues to inspire others with his perseverance and artistry. As a professional musician and teacher, he mentors aspiring musicians, particularly those with visual impairments, showing them that disability is no barrier to achieving excellence. Through his dedication, Badesab not only promotes Indian classical music but also advocates for inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Guitarist | Performer | Inspirational Musician from Assam
Namchangbuing Zeme, fondly known as David, is a talented guitarist from the picturesque town of Haflong in Assam. Visually impaired since childhood, David turned to music not just as a form of expression, but as a powerful way to connect, inspire, and grow. Driven by determination and an unshakable belief in his abilities, he completed his 12th grade and began carving out a musical path in his home state.
Before joining Samarthanam, David was already an active performer in Assam, giving numerous solo and outdoor shows that earned him recognition in local music circles. His command over the guitar, combined with his stage presence, allowed him to engage diverse audiences, and his confidence as a performer continued to grow with each show.
Recognizing his professional potential, David joined Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled not as a trainee, but as a professional artist. He quickly became a core member of Sunadha, the inclusive cultural troupe of the organization. At Samarthanam, he further expanded his musical repertoire, excelling in rhythm, bass, acoustic, and lead guitar. His adaptability across genres—Indian classical fusion, devotional, folk, retro, and Bollywood—has made him an essential contributor to both ensemble and solo performances. David has performed at prestigious stages, including corporate events, cultural festivals. Whether supporting vocalists, and leading instrumental sets, his guitar work adds richness and emotion to every performance. More than just a skilled musician, David is a symbol of perseverance and artistic excellence. His journey from the hills of Assam to major stages across the world showcases the transformative power of belief, opportunity, and talent. Today, he continues to inspire young musicians—disabled and non-disabled alike—with his dedication, humility, and musical brilliance.
Through every note he plays, Namchangbuing Zeme reminds us that dreams are not limited by circumstances, but driven by purpose.
SRIDEVI (Dancer): ELEGANCE AND INSPIRATION IN EVERY DANCE
Sridevi is a 27-year-old remarkable artist from Yadagiri, Karnataka, with speech and hearing impairment, and her talents shine at Sunadha. Over the past 12 years, she has been an active participant in Sunadha, providing performances with the troupe on various platforms including the Rotary International Convention at Bangkok the US, and the UK, where she has received much-deserved appreciation for her dance skills. Shri Devi has been honing her skills in Bharatanatyam, folk, free style, and contemporary dance forms, thanks to the training provided by Sunadha.
Despite her challenges in communication and hearing, Shri Devi has found a way to connect with the world and express herself through dance, her graceful moves and expressions overshadowing her disability. It’s hard to believe that she is hearing and speech-impaired, given her exceptional abilities.
RENUKA RAJPUT: A DUAL TALENT IN DANCE AND CRICKET
Renuka Rajput, a 25-year-old visually impaired dancer, joined Sunadha in 2021 after graduation. Despite her visual impairment, her passion for dance has been unwavering since childhood.
Renuka faced significant societal barriers and a lack of opportunities for visually impaired dancers. However, joining Sunadha marked a turning point in her life. The supportive environment and encouragement from the team allowed her to showcase her talent. Trained in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Folk dance at Sunadha, Renuka’s willingness to learn, determination, and skill shone through. She not only mastered these dance forms but also dreams of opening her own dance academy. Her improvement has scaled new heights, making her a graceful dancer.
Beyond dance, Renuka excels in cricket, playing for the State team at the national level.
