MAM
ITC Sangeet Research Academy’s ‘Desh Ek Raag 2’ blends Hindustani classical and dance in Independence Day tribute
MUMBAI: ITC Ltd, through the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITCSRA), has unveiled Desh Ek Raag 2—a sweeping musical salute to India’s cultural heritage ahead of the nation’s seventy ninth Independence Day. Anchored in Raag Desh and enriched by elements of Vande Mataram, the performance combines Hindustani classical music with Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak, performed by celebrated dance gurus and their disciples.
The project, directed musically by ITCSRA guru Abir Hossain, features leading names including Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Pandit Partha Chatterjee, Vidushi Subhra Guha, Pandit Uday Bhawalkar and tabla maestro Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. Western instrumentation by the band Prithibi adds a contemporary texture.
“Desh Raag is the unifying thread weaving our country’s beauty, diversity and traditions,” said Chakrabarty. Hossain noted that this year’s edition brought together a new mix of scholars, faculty and veteran artistes to reflect both tradition and fresh creative energy.
The performance, recorded at ITCSRA’s Kolkata studio and filmed by Chandrasish Ray, is an expansion of 2024’s Desh Ek Raag, which drew over a million views. Chairman Sanjiv Puri called it “a tribute to our beloved nation” and a reminder of the academy’s role in preserving the Guru-Shishya parampara.
Founded in 1977, ITCSRA has trained generations of Hindustani classical musicians in the tradition of residential, immersive learning. With over 40 scholars in Kolkata and Pune, the academy blends cross-gharana exposure with rigorous discipline—ensuring the music and its values endure.
Brands
FSS names Anand Krishnamurthi head of global digital delivery
Tech veteran to drive AI-first, cloud-led transformation in payments globally
CHENNAI: Financial Software and Systems (FSS), an AI-first payment infrastructure company, has appointed Anand Krishnamurthi as head of global digital delivery.
In his new role, Anand Krishnamurthi will lead FSS’s global digital delivery capabilities, focusing on AI-first and cloud-led transformation while ensuring predictable, high-quality outcomes for customers worldwide. He will be based in Chennai and report to V. Balasubramanian, CEO of FSS.
Bringing 28 years of experience in technology and digital transformation across banking, capital markets, financial services, and insurance, Anand has held senior leadership positions at Cognizant and NuSummit. He is recognised for scaling multi-geography delivery teams, leading mission-critical platforms, and embedding AI-driven automation in complex, regulated environments.
“What drew me to FSS is its deep payments expertise, strong product DNA, and the scale at which its platforms power real-world financial ecosystems,” said Anand Krishnamurthi. “I aim to strengthen delivery predictability, execution rigor, and engineering quality, building empowered teams that deliver measurable customer outcomes. FSS has a unique opportunity to create real-time, AI-infused payments infrastructure that is resilient, secure, and globally scalable.”
V. Balasubramanian added, “Anand’s track record in leading multi-geography delivery programs and AI-first operating models makes him the ideal leader for FSS as we accelerate our AI-driven digital payments business. His leadership will help us raise the bar for outcomes globally.”
This appointment is part of FSS’s broader push to build an AI-powered, cloud-native delivery organisation capable of meeting the evolving needs of banks, fintechs, and financial institutions worldwide.
