Routes2roots

2026-27 Session Registration Open.

Learn Indian Art Forms from Master Artistes of India from Across the Globe.

Join the ICCR-supported International Classes Program by Routes2Roots and experience India's living cultural heritage through live online learning — wherever you are in the world.

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About the Program

A living bridge between India and the world, built one class at a time

Routes 2 Roots, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU), has been running Online Live Interactive Courses in 9 Indian classical and folk art forms. The initiative aims to bring India’s rich artistic traditions to a global audience through accessible, expert-led digital learning. It also creates a bridge linking people across the globe with Indian roots.

The courses span a wide array of disciplines, including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Bollywood Dance, Calligraphy, Madhubani Painting, Hindustani Classical Vocal, Bhangra and Tabla. In the past classes of art forms including Harmonium, Mehndi, Rangoli and Puppet Making were also conducted. Delivered in a live, interactive format, the beautifully produced courses allow participants worldwide to engage in specially curated lesson forms taught real-time by professional artistes and cultural educators.

This collaborative effort reflects Routes 2 Roots’ ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy and heritage education, inviting learners everywhere to experience the vibrancy of Indian art and tradition—virtually and authentically. All these courses are certificate courses which will be assessed by UPRTOU University at the end of the session.

Our Partners

Backed by trusted institutions

Our Partners

Backed by trusted institutions

Ready to Begin Your Cultural Journey?

Registrations for the 2026–27 International Classes are now open. Limited seats per discipline.

Bharatanatyam

Gayatri Deka

Gayatri Deka is an accomplished Bharatanatyam Dancer. She has completed her Double Graduation in Botany (hons.) from Delhi University and also completed her performing arts from Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalay, Khairagarh. She received her initial training under the able guidance of Padma Bhushan Awardee Guru Late Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan and Guru Anuradha Venkataraman. She has dedicated 23 years to the practice of Bharatanatyam, with 15 years of professional experience in the field. Gayatri has performed solos, duets, group performances (100+ since 2008) both nationally (Delhi, Chandigarh, Chennai, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmukarur, Mahabalipuram, Gwalior, Guwahati, Kolkata & Rajgir) and internationally (Dares Salam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi, Budapest, Krishna Valley, Alsoors, Debrecen, Miskolc and Krakow). She has received awards such as the Kameshwari Nritya Samman 2018 (Kolkata), Nritya Kanaka Mani Samman 2018 (Kolkata) and Nritya Suvarna Kamal Samman 2019 (New Delhi).

Madhura Bhrushundi, a dancer based in New Delhi, has been training in the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Padmashri Guru Geeta Chandran for the last 13 years. A recipient of the scholarship to Young Artistes, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and a Grade B artiste of the Doordarshan, Madhura is a senior dancer with her Guru Smt. Geeta Chandran’s dance Company. She has been a part of major productions at numerous festivals such as the Khajurajo Dance Festival, Sahitya Kala Parishad’s Youth Festival, Ganga Mahotsav, Uday Shankar Choreography Festival, Kalidas Samaroh, Naadaneeranjam Festival, National Festival of Creative Arts & Hampi Utsav, among several others. She has also had the opportunity to be part of dance productions that were presented at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the august presence of the President, Vice-President and the Prime Minister of India. As a solo performer, Madhura has presented performances at various platforms such as the Amritanjali Mahotsav, 3rd Bangla Film Festival, Karur Natyanjali, Sai Nrityotsav, Delhi International Film Festival & FACE India International Women Leadership Awards among others. Apart from passionately pursuing dance, Madhura has also had an excellent academic record. She completed her Bachelors in Economics from Hindu College, University of Delhi and went on to do her M. Sc. in Economics from the University of Warwick, U. K.

Bhangra

Harshdeep Kaur

Harshdeep Kaur is a passionate and accomplished Folk Dance artiste, Choreographer and Cultural Instructor with extensive experience in promoting Indian cultural heritage through dance performances, choreography and student training. With a strong background in Punjabi folk dance, she has actively contributed to numerous national-level cultural festivals, competitions, and educational programs. She has demonstrated exceptional talent in choreography, stage performances, and cultural leadership, earning multiple awards and recognitions in prestigious dance competitions and youth festivals across India. She has also worked as a Folk Dance Coordinator with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), where she trained nearly 200 students in Sammi Dance for the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath, New Delhi. Her achievements include receiving awards and certifications from reputed organisations for excellence in folk dance, choreography, and cultural performances. She has participated in various national cultural conferences, youth festivals and dance competitions held in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab. Her dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Indian folk art forms has made her a respected cultural mentor and performer.

Apart from performances, she is experienced in managing cultural events, coordinating dance workshops and mentoring young dancers with creativity, discipline and artistic excellence. Her vibrant stage presence, leadership qualities, and deep passion for dance continue to inspire students and audiences alike.

Kathak

Dr. Richa Jain

Dr. Richa Jain

Kathak dancer Richa Jain started her formal training at the age of three under the guidance of her parents, Kathak exponents Late Guru Shri Ravi Jain (Disciple of Padmashree Shambhu Maharaj, Lucknow gharana and Alaknanda Devi of Benaras gharana) and Guru Smt. Nalini Malhotra Jain (Disciple of Pt. Sunder Prasad and Pt. Kundan Lal Gangani, Jaipur Gharana). Because of her extensive training under her parents, Richa's Kathak performances are a blend of the Lucknow, Jaipur and Benaras gharanas (styles) of Kathak. She also received her initial vocal music training from Shri Ajit Kumar Mishra and later was groomed in Hindustani classical vocal music under the guidance of renowned guru and exponent, Sangeet Natak Academy awardee Pt. A. Maheshwar Rao of the Gwalior Gharana. She is making a humble effort to bring back the Katha Vachan parampara from where Kathak originated. Besides being an A grade performing artiste of the national television of India, Richa is an empanelled artiste of I.C.C.R, Ministry of External Affairs and is also empanelled with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She is a published Author of the book ‘Kathak’, launched by Parragon Publishers and Routes 2 Roots on 7th February 2025.

Ragini Maharaj is a Kathak artiste from the esteemed Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Lucknow. She began her dance training at an early age under the guidance of her legendary grandfather, Padma Vibhushan Late Pandit Birju Maharaj and her aunt, Vidushi Mamta Maharaj. Over the years, Ragini has emerged as a captivating solo performer, gracing prestigious stages across India and abroad. Her performances have been featured at major festivals including the Saptak Festival, Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, Sawaai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, Taj Mahotsav, Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan and Vasantotsav. Internationally, she has represented Indian classical dance at festivals such as Parampara: The Tradition (San Francisco and Minneapolis), The Kathak Legacy (Oregon), the Tyagraj Tansen Festival (Malaysia), and cultural events in Japan and South Korea. Ragini has also performed in celebrated dance dramas choreographed by Late Pt. Birju Maharaj and Mamta Maharaj. Her dedication to the art form has earned her numerous accolades such as the Nritya Shringar Gandharv Award, Tarana Yuva Pratibha Award, Guru Ravi Jain Samman, Jayas Foundation Award and the Sanatan Award.

Odissi

Sangini Kumar

Sangini Kumar is a distinguished Odissi dancer and an empanelled artiste with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). A senior disciple of Padmashri Guru Kiran Segal, she has trained under her guidance for over two decades.Sangini is also a recipient of the Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship for Advanced Training & Excellence in Dance. She has performed widely at prestigious platforms both in India and abroad. Her international highlights include an ICCR-sponsored tour to China on India’s 66th Republic Day. Nationally, she has performed at events such as the ASEAN Summit at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Zohra Segal Festival, Kumbhalgarh Fort Festival and Youth Festival for CWG, among many others. She has also contributed to Indo-UK collaborations through India @75 initiative and participated in awareness programs for Indian classical dance in schools for differently-abled children and corporate diversity forums. Sangini has performed in both traditional and contemporary Odissi choreographies, often portraying central characters in her Guru’s acclaimed works such as the Ramayana, Divya Namaskar and Agni – The Fire Within.

Vrinda Chadha is an accomplished classical Odissi dancer. Vrinda holds a Master's degree in Philosophy from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, and has been honoured with a National scholarship for Odissi dance from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She is a devoted disciple of Guru Ranjana Gauhar. She trained under her Guru from a young age and is now a professional performer, teacher and a part of her guru's academy. She is affiliated with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Doordarshan. She was nominated by the President of the International Dance Council (CID) UNESCO, Paris, and is a proud member of this global dance community. She has worked as an art educationist and has also led workshops for underprivileged children. As a global performer, Vrinda has captivated audiences across India and abroad including Spain, Argentina, Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, United Kingdom, Madagascar, Seychelles and Dominican Republic among others. Her artistry has garnered numerous accolades, including Nalanda Nritya Nipuna, The Young Talent Award and The Kameshwari Award.

Calligraphy

Arif Khan

Arif Khan

Arif Khan is a calligrapher and visual communication designer with over five years of experience specialising in Urdu, Nastaliq, and Latin scripts, including Gothic Textura, Fraktur and Foundational Hand. His passion lies in blending traditional calligraphy with contemporary design aesthetics, creating work that bridges cultural and artistic boundaries. As the creator of CalligraphySutra, he has worked on commissioned projects, including an international exhibition where he designed Indian-style sign-painted lettering for Danish exhibitors at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy. He has also contributed his calligraphy to Jashn-e-Rekhta, a prestigious festival celebrating Urdu language and literature. Additionally, his involvement with The Calligraphy Foundation for three years has honed his skills in collaboration, education, and calligraphy awareness initiatives. Driven by a commitment to preserving and evolving the art of calligraphy, he continuously explores new ways to integrate script, design and cultural storytelling in his work.

Neelakshi Thakur

Neelakshi Thakur is a calligrapher and educator with 7 years of dedicated experience in the field of handwriting and calligraphy. Grounded in the conviction that comprehensive subject knowledge and technical precision are the bedrocks of artistic mastery, her work centers on demystifying calligraphy through highly structured, organised, and pedagogically thoughtful frameworks. Her specialisation spans critical foundational scripts—including Monoline Foundational, American Cursive, Devanagari, Brushpen, and Copperplate—bringing a balanced approach of traditional technique and modern clarity to her students. Throughout her tenure, Neelakshi has successfully steered educational initiatives, including key programming for the Navankur-Akshar Mahotsav event, the National Book Trust (NBT) Summer Camp, and numerous specialised workshops. Her teaching philosophy emphasises meticulous observation, consistent discipline, and mindful learning. She breaks down calligraphy into clear, well-organised lessons that make mastering the technical skills simple and accessible. By creating instructional environments that are both academically rigorous and deeply encouraging, she inspires learners to discover the beauty of the written letter, cultivating qualities of patience, precision and cultural pride that extend far beyond the page.

HCV

Dr. Anirban Bhattacharyya

Dr. Anirban Bhattacharyya is an accomplished Hindustani classical vocalist, musicologist, and educator with over 19 years of experience as a practitioner, teacher, mentor, and composer in the field of Indian music. In 2024 he earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, with his research focusing on “Musical Works of Raja Sir Sourindro Mohun Tagore (1840–1914).” He was awarded the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship (2022–2023) and served as a Cultural Ambassador of India to the U.S. at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. A senior disciple of Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, he holds an M.A. in Vocal Music from Rabindra Bharati University and has qualified UGC-NET (2017). His accolades include the President of India Gold and Silver Medals in Thumri and Khayal (AIR, 2010), top honors at the State Music Academy of West Bengal and Dover Lane Music Conference. His research fellowships include the UNESCO-Sahapedia Fellowship and the JRF from the Ministry of Culture. His works include a book titled Hindustani Classical Vocal (Routes 2 Roots and Parragon) 2025.

Shreya Aggarwal

Shreya Aggarwal was introduced to Hindustani Classical Music at the age of six and has remained deeply connected to the art form ever since. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Music and Theatre from University of Delhi with the support of a Senior Research Fellowship. She is undergoing advanced training in khayal gayaki under the guidance of Dr. Varada Godbole and Dr. Rindana Rahasya. In addition to her classical training, she has a strong inclination towards semi- classical and folk genres, and is particularly known for her expressive renditions of ghazals, thumris, and folk songs in her distinctive vocal style. With over six years of teaching experience, she has mentored students across India as well as internationally. Since 2020, she has actively performed at a wide range of prestigious platforms, including events organised by NIRC of ICAI (CA Day), Rajkamal Prakashan, Airbnb corporate office events, and various curated showcases and private baithaks. She also regularly curates and performs in music presentations for corporate and academic audiences, reflecting her versatility and commitment to promoting Indian music traditions.

Bollywood Dance

Akash Tyagi

Akshay Tyagi is a talented Bollywood dancer, choreographer and event professional with extensive experience in dance training, choreography and performing arts. He has received professional dance training from the Shiamak Davar Dance Company in various styles including Bollywood, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and Freestyle. He has worked as a project manager and senior choreographer with reputed schools and organisations across India and internationally. Akshay has also conducted online dance sessions and creative projects with organisations based in India and London. He has been recognized and awarded by several prestigious schools and institutions for his outstanding contribution to dance, choreography and performing arts.

Neha Bhardwaj is a highly accomplished and versatile dance artist, choreographer, and instructor with nearly eighteen years of extensive experience in the field of performing arts. A graduate in Bachelor of Commerce from Delhi University and a postgraduate in Master of Commerce from SMU, she further strengthened her artistic foundation by pursuing an MA in Kathak from Prayag and Khairagarh University. Recognised as a Doordarshan-graded artist, Neha has consistently demonstrated excellence in both classical and contemporary dance forms. Her professional journey reflects a dynamic blend of performance, teaching and choreography, currently serving as a dance instructor at Mount Carmel School, Anand Niketan, and conducting international Bollywood dance classes with Routes 2 Roots (associated with ICCR). She has worked with reputed institutions such as Amity Global School, G.D. Goenka Public School, New Era Public School, and Kunskapsskolan International School, among others. Neha has also been actively associated with prestigious productions including “Bajirao Mastani” under the guidance of Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji and “Kaal Shakti,” along with her contributions to theatre and cultural initiatives under the Department of Art, Culture & Languages, Delhi Government.

Madhubani Painting

Avdhesh Kumar Karn

Avdhesh Kumar Karn is a distinguished artiste specialising in Madhubani painting from Bihar. A graduate and topper of the Mithila Art Course Examination from Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar, he has garnered numerous accolades. These include the Excellence Award at the 2014 National Art Icons Exhibition in New Delhi, the Bihar State Award (2015-16), and international recognition such as the Silver Award at the 3rd International Art Exhibition by Akam-Kala Sangh. His work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions such as the Surajkund International Fair and the India International Trade Fair. He has also conducted workshops at renowned institutions, including the Sushant School of Design, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, and internationally at the International Indian Folk Art Gallery in Australia.

TABLA

Divyanshu Kumar

Divyanshu Kumar is a dedicated percussionist born into a musically rich family in Delhi. Initiated into music by his father and Guru Shri Naveen Kumar, a B-High Graded All India Radio artiste and disciple of Pt. Prem Vallabh, Divyanshu has been rigorously trained in the Delhi, Farrukhabad Gharana. He holds a B.A. (Hons) in Percussion Music from Delhi University and is currently pursuing his M.A. in the same discipline from Khairagarh University. A Praveen in Tabla and Prabhakar in Guitar and Vocal Music from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, he is also a graded artiste at Akashvani Bhawan, Delhi. With a specialisation in solo and accompaniment performances as well as teaching, he currently serves as a Staff Artiste at the Faculty of Music & Fine Arts, Delhi University. He has worked with various reputed institutions including Bharat National Public School, Gyan Mandir Public School and NK Bagrodia Global School. His performances span prestigious festivals and venues across India, sharing stages with maestros like Pt. Rakesh Chaurasia, Pt. Shrinivas Joshi, Pt. Ajay Prasanna, Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra and Vidushi Meeta Pandit and contributing to events such as the G20 Music Summit, Mahakumbh Mela, Indian Couture Week and Sahitya Aaj Tak. An accomplished multi- instrumentalist, he is proficient in Tabla, Pakhavaj, Dholak, Congo, Cajon, Djembe, Harmonium, Guitar, Casio and also possesses vocal training.

Pranshu Chatur Lal is an Indian Tabla player known for his ability to seamlessly blend classical, folk and contemporary musical traditions. A third-generation musician, he is the grandson of the legendary Tabla maestro Pandit Chatur Lal and son of Pt. Charanjit Chatur Lal. Pranshu began his musical journey under the guidance of his grandfather and has grown into one of India’s most dynamic and innovative Tabla artistes. With a unique playing style, crystal-clear rhythm and charismatic stage presence, he has redefined the role of the Tabla as a versatile solo instrument. Pranshu’s performances have graced prestigious platforms across the globe, including Carnegie Hall in New York, where he shared the stage with Ustad Zakir Hussain. He has collaborated with iconic artistes such as Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Anup Jalota, Pt. Rajan-Sajan Mishra, and many more. His international engagements include collaborations with Western and world music legends from the U.S., Mexico, Germany, Poland and South Korea. In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous honours such as the "Tabla Ratna Award," “Tabla Shiromani Award,” and “Outstanding Musician Award,” among others.