Purnima Venugopal

Purnima Venugopal is an accomplished Indian Classical Vocalist trained in both Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions. She initially trained in Hindustani music with Late Pandit Samaresh Chawdhury and continues her advanced training under Prof. Rajyasree Ghosh, a disciple of Pandit K. G. Ginde. In Carnatic music, she received her early training from Shri E. N. Hariharan in Kolkata and is presently under the tutelage of Smt. Kamakshi Balasubramaniam.

Her versatility lies in her ability to blend the depth of Hindustani Khayal with the precision of Carnatic traditions, making her equally adept in both systems. In addition, she is proficient in Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geet, and Light Vocal music, which broadens her appeal across audiences.

Academically, she holds an M.A. in Hindustani Vocal from Rabindra Bharati University (2012, First Division), Sangeet Shiromani from Delhi University (2007), and Sangeet Visharad from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh (Distinction). She is also UGC-NET qualified in Hindustani Classical Vocal (2013) with an exceptional score of 77%.

As a performer, she has sung as a B Grade artist from All India Radio (AIR) Kolkata and Najibabad.

Purnima is also a dedicated teacher, imparting knowledge of Hindustani Classical Vocal at the postgraduate (M.A.) level, Carnatic music for beginner students, and Rabindra/Nazrul Geet and Light Classical music. She has served as Guest Faculty at Rabindra Bharati University and has held teaching positions at Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon, St. Xavier’s Academy (Azamgarh), and Mussoorie International School. Through online and offline teaching, she continues to mentor a wide spectrum of students across India and abroad.

Her journey beautifully blends performance, teaching, and research, making her an artist-scholar dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s rich classical traditions while adapting them for modern audiences.

Career and Performances

Purnima Venugopal has had a vibrant career both as a performer and as an academic teacher of Indian music.

• She is a B Grade Artist of All India Radio (AIR) and has sung for AIR Kolkata, AIR Najibabad, and DD Bharati channel.

• She has been accompanying Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi dancers since 2005, working with leading exponents such as Anita Mullick, Sujatha Ramalingam, Hemamalini Suresh, Padmabhushan C. V. Chandrasekhar, Dr. Madhuri Majumdar, and Guru Hombal (BHU), among many others.

• She has performed at prestigious platforms including:

  • Sangeet Natak Akademi (Tripura, 2017)

  • 28th Inter-University National Youth Festival, Kalyani University (2012–2013)

  • South India Club, Kolkata

  • Sanskar Bharti, Mussoorie (2003) – Solo concert

  • Vasantotsav Festival, Delhi University (2007) where she was accompanied by stalwart Mehmood Dhaulpuri ji on harmonium.

  • Tour with Kathak workshops in Goa Government Schools (2022).

As an educator, Purnima has held multiple teaching roles:

• Guest Faculty at Rabindra Bharati University (Dance Department – Bharatnatyam & Kuchipudi) guiding students in Kriti singing.

• Indian Vocal Music Teacher at Kunskapsskolan, Gurgaon.

• Former Music Teacher at St. Xavier’s Academy, Azamgarh.

• Former Music Teacher at Mussoorie International School (2003–2005), where she not only taught music but also accompanied live dance performances.

She has also contributed academically through lecture demonstrations, workshops, and research, making her a strong link between performance and scholarship.

Awards and Achievements

• 3rd Prize – Doverlane Music Competition (1998).

• Youngest Vocalist Award – Doverlane Music Academy (1998).

• 1st Prize – Hindustani Classical & Semi-Classical Vocal Competition, Delhi University (2007).

• Represented West Bengal in Khayal at the National Youth Festival, Jaipur (2011).

• Regularly invited as vocal accompanist for eminent dancers at prestigious festivals.

Academic Achievements & Research Contributions:

• UGC-NET Qualified in Hindustani Vocal (2013) – 77% (Outstanding score).

• Published Research Articles in UGC peer-reviewed and UGC CARE Journals:

  • On the 32 Thaat system of Senia Gharana (Khoai Journal, 2023).

  • On Raga Classification Challenges in Hindustani Music (Pratibha Spandan Journal, 2024).

• Speaker at International Conference on Musicology, Rabindra Bharati University (March 2025).