Meet Our Ensemble & Instructors
Atlanta Kalakshethra is built on a partnership between passion and mastery. Co-founders Bineesh and Jayakanth created this organization to make authentic Kerala percussion accessible in Atlanta, while Guru Akhil Marar brings world-class instruction directly from his studio in Thrissur. Together with our committed ensemble members, we keep a 2,000-year-old tradition alive. It's not just performances, but a lived practice.
Founders & Leadership
Atlanta Kalakshethra was founded by Bineesh Raghavan and Jayakanth Vasudevan, individuals committed to preserving and presenting Chenda Melam as a serious performance tradition in the United States. The founders provide organizational leadership, cultural stewardship, and long‑term vision for the ensemble's growth and integrity.
Their role is to ensure that Atlanta Kalakshethra remains:
- Performance‑driven
- Tradition‑respecting
- Disciplined and collective in spirit
How We Teach: Performance-First Philosophy
Atlanta Kalakshethra functions on a simple principle:
Performance comes first. Training exists to support performance.
- Rehearsals are structured toward ensemble readiness
- Instruction is aligned with live performance requirements
- Individual progress is measured by contribution to the group
This approach ensures that every performance represents Chenda Melam as it is meant to be experienced: powerful, collective, and uncompromising in rhythm.
Explore our teaching philosophy in depth →
Where We Perform & Celebrate
Atlanta Kalakshethra presents Chenda Melam at cultural events, festivals, temple ceremonies, and community programs across Atlanta and the Southeast.
Our ensemble represented Atlanta Kalakshethra in the Guinness World Record Chenda Melam at FOKANA Convention 2026, performing alongside 500+ artists at Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains. See the FOKANA 2026 gallery →
See where we celebrate the tradition →
Meet the Teaching Faculty & Ensemble
Chenda Melam Performance Ensemble
The performers listed below are active ensemble members committed to the discipline, technique, and standards required for authentic Chenda Melam performance.
Members who performed at FOKANA 2026 appear below.
Leads ensemble direction with the same collaborative rigor he brings to software engineering. Performs at temple festivals and cultural celebrations across Atlanta. Point of contact for all performance inquiries.
Trained extensively under Guru Akhil, Jayakanth mentors students locally and performs with commitment to authentic Melam standards while building the Atlanta community.
25+ years teaching authentic Kerala percussion. Leads all live Zoom classes from Kerala and sets the ensemble’s technique, structure, and performance standards.
Learn more about Guru Akhil →As a group, the ensemble performs as one rhythmic body, where coordination and discipline take precedence over individual display.
Full ensemble
Software professional balancing a tech career with deep commitment to Kerala's percussion tradition. Trained in Chenda Melam for years and performs with the ensemble at cultural events across Atlanta.
IT professional dedicated to preserving Kerala's living cultural heritage. Brings rigorous discipline from her tech background into Chenda Melam practice and ensemble performance.
School educator connecting students to the arts through her work. Brings the same patience and discipline to teaching Chenda Melam, mentoring new ensemble members in technique and performance readiness.
Leads software development initiatives while finding connection to his Kerala roots through Chenda Melam. Demonstrates that building teams and building musical mastery require the same discipline.
IT professional drawn to the meditative discipline of Chenda Melam. Brings focus and technical precision to rhythmic practice and performs as part of our ensemble at community celebrations.
Software professional exploring his cultural heritage through percussion. Balances a demanding tech career with consistent Chenda Melam training and performance.
School professional dedicated to cultural preservation and community connection. Champions Chenda Melam as a living tradition and mentors younger ensemble members through rigorous training.
Tech industry professional committed to mastering Chenda Melam alongside his career. Demonstrates that serious cultural study is possible while managing professional responsibilities.
Software engineer and ensemble member who channels the precision and focus of his tech work into Chenda Melam training. Active performer at temple festivals and cultural events.
IT professional discovering authentic rhythm practice through Chenda Melam. Balances a dynamic tech career with dedicated ensemble training and regular performances across Atlanta.
Software professional and dedicated Chenda Melam performer bringing technical excellence to ensemble coordination. Demonstrates that work-life balance includes meaningful cultural practice and performance.
Start Your Chenda Melam Journey Today
Whether you're drawn to Kerala's 2,000-year-old percussion tradition or seeking a meaningful cultural practice, we welcome you. Begin with us and experience the mastery, discipline, and joy of Chenda Melam.
Zoom: Mon & Wed 9–10pm ET · Sunday practice in Atlanta · $75/mo · Current cohort full — see Classes for schedule & waitlist →
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