Draft:Pt Dr Ram Deshpande

Early Life and Training
Pandit Dr. Ram Deshpande comes from a rich musical tradition. He is a renowned vocalist of the present generation and an artist of commendable talent. His journey into classical music began in Nagpur, Maharashtra, where he was initiated by Shri Chepe, Shri Panake, and Pandit Prabhakar Deshkar.

Musical Career
Under the able guidance of Pandit Yashwantbua Joshi and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, he has risen to great heights as a vocalist of the traditional Gwalior and Jaipur gharanas. He also received guidance in the Agra gharana from Pandit Babanrao Haldankar and in the Bhatkhande Parampara from Pandit Yashwant Mahale. His sonorous and seasoned voice, combined with ornamentations like gamak, behlao, and meend, and his command of rhythm and variety of tans, make his performances captivating. He has a large repertoire of popular and rare raag combinations. He has toured America, England, Holland, Germany, Dubai, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Kenya. He has album to his credit featuring rare ragas like Mira Malhar, Lalita Gauri, Samant Sarang, and Rageshree Bahar. He is also the director of Gandhar Music Academy, where many talented students study classical vocal music under his guidance.

Academic Achievements
Along with traditional instruction, Pandit Ram Deshpande excelled academically. He earned a postgraduate degree in music from Nagpur University with a gold medal. His doctoral thesis on ‘Mishra Ragas’ (Combination Ragas) was completed under the guidance of Pandit V. R. Athavle. Gandharva Mahavidyalaya has selected him as a guide for doctorate students. He has participated in many music seminars and workshops as a thinker-musician. He is the music director of the short film “Gaanyogi” about Pandit D. V. Paluskar and the “Guru Para Brahma” music album by Red Ribbon Company. He composed “Vande Mataram” in Raag Mala of 24 Ragas.

Awards and Achievements

 * In 1991, the Sangeet Research Academy Kolkata honored him with the “Best Vocalist Award”.
 * He received the prestigious “Vidyasagar Award” from the music forum.
 * Achieved All India Radio (AIR) “A TOP” Grade.
 * Selected for the “Aditya Vikram Birla Kalakiran Puraskar” in 2005, awarded by Maharashtra's Chief Minister Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh.

Prestigious Performances

 * Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, Pune
 * Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, Gwalior
 * Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal
 * Vishnu Digambar Jayanti Samaroh, Delhi
 * NCPA and Nehru Centre, Mumbai
 * And many more
 * Audiences can watch and hear him on INSYNC channel and YouTube.