Omkar Naad Bramha Sangeet Vidyalaya

Omkar Naad Bramha Sangeet Vidyalaya is a bit of a long name for our small school on Aundh New Bel Road. We are technically in the Bangalore area, though the address sometimes confuses people who think of the other Aundh. We’ve been here at 41527 for a while now, teaching traditional music to anyone who has the patience for it. The rooms are simple, with mats on the floor and pictures of old masters on the walls. It’s a very humble setup. I spend my days listening to students try to get their vocals right or practicing the tabla. It’s not the kind of place where you get a certificate and leave in a week. It takes time, and we don't rush anyone. Sometimes we just sit and talk about the history of a particular raga while drinking tea. The street outside is always noisy with buses and bikes, but we try to keep the focus on the sound inside. It’s a lot of hard work, honestly. My hands are usually sore from playing, and the students get tired too. But there is a certain peace in it that you don't find in other jobs. We don't spend money on fancy decorations. Every rupee goes back into the instruments or keeping the lights on. It’s just a place for music lovers to gather and learn something that has been around for generations.