Manjula Ramachandran (Manjula Mani-Dharmarajan) is a South Indian Classical (Carnatic) Vocalist and Saraswathi Veena player from South India. As a vocalist, she is well known for her deep knowledge of handling the Indian Raagas and Taalas (rhythms), composing in rare ragas, improvisational skills, and classicalism in voice. As a veena player, she is well known for her Gayaki (singing) style of playing, fingering techniques, and ability to engage the listener with high tonal string quality.
Manjula graduated in Music as a String Major (veena) from Sree Swathi Thirunal Music College with State level high score, for which she was awarded the prestigious Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy young musician fellowship. She is a proud recipient of the CCRT (Centre for Cultural Research Talent) Scholarship for 8 yrs from the President of India.
Government of India Department of Culture also honored her with a scholarship for 2 yrs as the best upcoming musician. Manjula is also a proud recipient of AIR (All India Radio-India Government Broadcasting Radio) National Music Competiton Award with a Music Gradation. She has been part of numerous recordings and live performances on radio and television in India and the USA. She runs her own Indian music school in New Jersey where she has introduced many young children to the world of Indian Classical Music.
