Ninad`s `classical` efforts towards forging his dreams into reality

Ninad Shukla, a visually impaired 22-year-old, a resident of Patwardhan Baug, is fighting against all odds to become a classical music singer. With his hat of talent already adorned with more than 75 laurels and accolades, he is raring to achieve greater goals!
Born in Pune, Shukla spent his childhood in a small village of Parner in Ahmednagar district, where he heard the famous Marathi epic of Geet Ramayana on radio, which was the only means to pass his time.  He was fascinated by the melody of music he listened to. He was just three when he first performed at Akashwani radio in Nashik in 1994.  "At very early age, I decided to pursue classical music in Mewati Gharana, which presents soft classical music that transcends the language barriers and connects through emotions. The music compositions of this style trigger in audience a spontaneous flow of emotions," Ninad reveals.
The Accolades!
Following a tradition of Gurukul method, he has been taking lessons from the Head of Archaeology, Deccan College, Vijay Sathe, over the past decade.  Sathe happens to be disciple of Pandit Jasraj, who belongs to Mewati Gharana. Ninad has presented over 100 programs of Sugam sangeet and classical music all over India, including in Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Indore, New Delhi, Nashik, Surat, Mumbai, Jalgaon and Pune. He has even released an album, titled Samarpan, comprising bandishes and todies in Ramkali and Puriya Dhanashri and bhajans of Meerabai.
He has traveled all over the Maharashtra along with his father Anil Shukla, who is State Bank of India officer, presently stationed in Nashik. His mother, Swati, took great efforts to bring him up and accompanies him on Tambora in almost all of his concerts. "My parents support me very well," he tells us fondly. Ninad is the youngest student of the Miraj-based Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Gayan to pass Sangeet Visharad in vocals and harmonium.
Mumbai-based Sur Singar Sansad has conferred upon him the prestigious Surmani title for his performance in the 49th Kal Ke Kalakar Sangeet Samelan.  Union Ministry of Culture had awarded a scholarship of Rs 5,000 per month to him as child artist, from 2000 to 2008. Presently, the same authority has awarded him Rs 10,000 per month as a young artist.  He completed B A from Yashwantrao Chavan Open University and is in the third semester of MA, philosophy, in S P College.
The journey!
Initially, Ninad was admitted to the blind school but was shifted to normal school after class IV. Studying in a normal school gave him ample confidence, he reveals to us.  He says, "All of my classmates cared for me; occasionally, I was teased by a few teachers.  But I dealt with snide remarks in a humorous vein," he smiles.
He has been invited at Oravilla near Pondicherry in March to present a classical music concert. On November 11, he will present 11 devotional compositions in 11 raagas at S M Joshi Hall in Navi Peth at 6 pm to celebrate his birthday. "It's a Friday and it happens to his birthday," shares his mother. Registrar of Dnyanadeo Study Chair at University of Pune Yashwant Pathak will chair the function. 
Ninad aims to break all barriers and leave no stone unturned to pursue his dream of becoming a renowned classical singer. "I dream to have a calendar full of musical concerts across the globe," he affirms as a parting shot.
—SANJEEVANI DIDMISHE