Dhrupad isn’t merely a genre of music; it’s a way of life. It is a philosophy, a practice, and a path toward self-realization. As teachers, our goal is to help students—regardless of culture, age, or musical background—embody this philosophy in their own way.

Traditionally, Dhrupad and veena were taught in the Guru-Sishya tradition, where students lived with their guru. The entire day became a lesson. The guru assessed the student’s potential, imparted knowledge at the right time, and offered philosophical and spiritual guidance. Meanwhile, the student observed the guru’s way of living, learning through direct experience rather than mere instruction.

After the Mughal invasion of India, Dhrupad became deeply tied to the courts of Mughal kings. Families that earned the right to play in these courts safeguarded their positions by keeping the tradition within the family, passing Dhrupad from father to son. Outsiders, commoners, and even their own daughters were excluded from this knowledge.

In the 20th century, everything changed. The British dismantled the court system, and the brutal partition of India displaced many court musicians. Once privileged artists now found themselves as refugees, taking up whatever work they could find. Around the same time, Western interest in Indian music and spirituality grew. Travelers to India discovered Dhrupad, and these students brought their teachers to the West, introducing audiences to the music of Z.M. Dagar, Sayeeduddin Dagar, and others.

The secrecy that had protected Dhrupad for centuries was shattered. Now, anyone—Westerners, women, older students—could learn this art as long as their interest was sincere. This is the tradition I am a part of today. I welcome students from all over the world, regardless of gender, profession, or age. I share all my knowledge without holding anything back.

Modern technology allows us to teach students globally, but it presents a challenge. How does one impart the ethics, codes of conduct, and philosophy that were once learned through living with the guru? This is why our lessons go beyond a standard music class. We may explore a single concept, discuss a technique, or simply share stories. These moments often have the greatest impact on a student’s understanding of the tradition.

We have also transformed the guru-shishya relationship. While I may have more experience in Dhrupad, I do not place myself above my students. Each student possesses their own wisdom and is ultimately their own source of knowledge. My role is to guide them beyond their own limitations and toward something greater.

My goal is not just to teach music. My goal is to help students touch that dimension of life which is timeless. My goal is to assist them in becoming great human beings. The power of Dhrupad is not in domination but in creation, in sharing beauty, and in cultivating virtues—equality, compassion, kindness, respect, peace, love, and joy.