Darbar Se Digital Tak - Dr. Ratish Tagde
“From Darbar to Digital – A New Direction for Indian Classical Music”
Indian classical music has a rich tradition that spans thousands of years. With changing times, this music has continuously adapted to new contexts and audiences. In this backdrop, noted violinist and President of the Centre for Research & Promotion of Indian Music (CRPIM), Dr. Ratish Tagde, has been taking several initiatives to connect Indian classical music with modern technology and the younger generation.
Earlier, Dr. Tagde had established “Insync,” India’s first 24-hour classical music television channel. At that time, it was considered a pioneering initiative because there was no dedicated broadcast platform for classical music. Through this channel, efforts were made to bring Indian classical music to audiences across India and around the world on a continuous basis.
Taking this vision further, Dr. Tagde founded the Centre for Research & Promotion of Indian Music (CRPIM). The institution aims to provide an organized framework for the study, research, and promotion of Indian music. Through initiatives such as the Baithak Network, CRPIM is working to revive the intimate tradition of classical music gatherings, where artists and listeners can interact closely.
In the current era of rapid technological change, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also begun entering the world of music. Dr. Tagde believes that the essence of Indian classical music lies in raga improvisation and spontaneous expression. While Western classical music often relies on written sheet music, Indian classical music has evolved through the guru–shishya tradition. In this sense, AI can be viewed as a “digital disciple,” which needs to be trained in the right direction.
Dr. Tagde has also completed his doctorate from the Swiss School of Business and Management, Switzerland. His research focused on developing better revenue models for traditional musicians through digital streaming platforms.
Today, the Gen Z generation primarily consumes music through mobile phones and streaming platforms. Interestingly, many young people are also creating classical music reels on social media, showing that the younger generation is connecting with this music in new ways.
According to Dr. Tagde, despite many historical disruptions, Indian classical music has preserved its authenticity and core essence. If a balance is maintained between tradition and technology, this music will reach even wider global audiences in the future.
