The journey of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra began on the eve of India’s independence when its Founder, Smt. theSumitra Charat Ram, put together an all-night musical evening at her home in New Delhi. This event led to the formation of the ‘Jhankar Music Circle’, which was formalised as ‘Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’ in 1952.

Since then, the Kendra has been staging the Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival for several decades. This is one of the oldest and most celebrated festivals in the country, which not only features distinguished maestros but also provides a platform for younger talent. India’s iconic institution completed 70 years on 17th March 2022 and is the leading torchbearer for the preservation and promotion of our country’s rich performing art traditions.

The Kendra’s Faculty of Music currently offers Vocational and Professional courses in Hindustani Vocal & Instrumental Music. The Faculty of Dance offers similar courses in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Mayurbhanj Chhau styles. Over the years, the Kendra has had the privilege of having some of the most legendary masters as its faculty. This has allowed several of our alumni to become famous artists and skilled teachers.

Having produced over 60 dance-dramas, the Kendra’s dance ensemble has become renowned for its dance-dramas based on our country’s rich history, mythology, and folklore – the most iconic being ‘Shri Ram’ that was first presented in 1957, a permanent repertory. Many of the Kendra’s productions have been performed numerous times all over the country and abroad – the Kendra has a permanent In House Productions & Programs.

The Kendra maintains its campus in the heart of Delhi’s cultural hub, the Mandi House area. The premises house a teaching block, a hostel for staff and students, a cafeteria, the Jhankar Studio, and the Kendra’s theatre, the renowned Kamani Auditorium.