As we all COEPians plan to get together, share our stories and reconnect, we do realize that although we all are engineers, technocrats and managers and so on.. Art does have a very special place in our hearts. Many great artists are COEPians... Famous actor Ravindra Mankani, Hindustani Vocalist Pt. Vijay Koparkar, Tabla Maestro Pt. Ramdas Palsule, Writer Director Girish Joshi are just a few examples. For us, to relive that enjoyment and appreciation of the art, reminding the 'gathering', the Firodiya, Cultural fest and so on., COEPian of 1988 batch Manoj Tamhankar has put together a show : 'संगीत रस सुरस...' where our own COEPians will present songs as well as poems. Participating in the show are COEPians Manoj Tamhankar, Abhay Avachat, Milind Kulkarni, Sudarshan Siddhaye and the next gen - Tamhankar Sisters - Preeti and Sharwaree Tamhankar.
Manoj Tamhankar: I am Instru 1988. In the college days, I was RS (Regatta Secretary) in 1987 (59th regatta). I will coordinate and play harmonium/keyboard. I like to compose as well. Have 2 music albums : 2009: Jay Heramb (Written the songs and composed music), 2011 : Gaan VeerKaavyaache (Composed music for poems written by Swa. Savarkar). Have been participating in music programs in the bay area for last 20 years. Along with wife Archana, Teaches Hindustani Classical Music to the young generation of the bay area. Also works as a software professional.
Preeti and Sharwaree Tamhankar: Sharwaree is a runner up in the junior kids category of BMM SaReGaMa in 2015 (Marathi singing competition of participants from all over USA and Canada.) Has won many awards in the local competitions as well, in both classical as well as light singing. Freshman in High school this year. Preeti is the winner of the BMM SaReGaMa in 2015. Received many awards in different local as well as competitions in India. She recently had two concerts in India, Pune and Mumbai. Just recently received an award called 'SwarNaad Sanmaan' in Mumbai. Has been giving Hindustani Classical Concerts since last 2 years. Senior in high school this year.
Sudarshan Siddhaye: 1994 Mechanical Engineering. Participated in Regatta (punt formation). Was Art Editor for Abhiyanta. Completed Ph.D. in Engineering in 1999 from Berkeley. Published an Celtic-Indian fusion album in 1999, collaborating with his Berkeley friends (playing percussion: tabla and djembe). Learned tabla with Ustad Zakir Hussain from 1995-2010, participating in his annual workshops in the bay area.
Abhay Avachat : COEP 1987 E&TC, Was G.S. of F Club in the COEP Hostel mess, Writes poems, gajhals etc., composes music as well. He will be presenting some of his Rubaayas in this program.