‘TANDANANA’, hosted by Padmasri Awardee Dr. Shobha Raju

Annamacharya Bhavana Vahini (ABV) announced the launch of “TANDANANA” – The Annamacharya International Music Competition 2025, in celebration of the 617^th Annamacharya Jayanthi. The initiative was formally inaugurated by Pujyasri Sakshiroopananad Swamiji, Chinmaya Mission, Hyderabad; formally unveiled the Annamacharya International Music Competition 2025, “TANDANANA” organized by Annamacharya Bhavana Vahini (ABV), to celebrate the 617^th Annamacharya Jayanthi; at Annamayyapuram, (on way to Hitex), today. Dr. Shobha Raju, Founder – President, ABV; Dr. Nandakumar, Managing Trustee, ABV; graced the program. The launch event featured soulful renditions of Annamacharya Sankeertanas by popular playback singers and ABV students, setting a divine tone for the upcoming competition.

Pujyasri Sakshiroopananda Swamiji, speaking on the occasion, shared profound insights into the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. He described the Gita as a powerful life manual that guides individuals through life’s challenges and leads them towards happiness and contentment. By regularly reflecting on its teachings, one can navigate obstacles with clarity and purpose, he said. Highlighting the importance of self-awareness, Swamiji explained the concept of BMI – Body, Mind, and Intellect, as essential tools in the pursuit of one’s life goals. The Gita teaches us that all living beings are divine manifestations of God, he noted, emphasising the oneness of existence. He also beautifully connected this philosophy with devotional verses of Saint- poet Annamacharya. Referring to the keertana ‘Tandanana Bhala, Tandanana – Brahma Mokate, Para Brahma Mokate’, he elaborated that its essence lies in the principle of unity, that there is but one Supreme Truth.

The human being, the world, and the Divine are inseparable, they are one and the same. Swamiji concluded by saying that Annamacharya’s keertanas, expressed in the language of the common people, they are a poetic portrayal of Advaita, the non-dualistic philosophy, which sees divinity in every living being. “One who perceives God in all is the true enlightened soul,” he affirmed. He said, Chinmaya Mission has been conducting annual competitions, this year we are conducting a national level competition on Chapter 15th of Bhagavad Gita, in which children can participate. We are celebrating Chinmaya Mission 75 years’ celebrations, an international competition will be hosted on the occasion, which will be a Vishwa Sammelanam with over a lakh participants in New Delhi. A Gita parayanam with over a lakh participants will be hosted at Hyderabad, next year.

Dr. Shoba Raju said, Tandanana, the international music competition, is poised to be a landmark initiative in the global mission to spread the timeless beauty of Annamacharya Keertanas. In a world grappling with uncertainty, societal unrest, and emotional turmoil, we initially questioned whether launching such an event would be possible or even appropriate at this time. But today, more than ever, we recognize the urgent need for inner peace, resilience, and spiritual grounding. Annamacharya’s compositions, steeped in devotion and wisdom, offer just that a source of solace, strength, and inspiration. Through Tandanana, we aim not just to celebrate his legacy, but to ignite a renewed cultural movement that will carry this rich musical tradition into the hearts and voices of future generations. This competition is more than a musical event; it’s a heartfelt mission to pass the baton of bhakti and classical heritage to the next generation, ensuring that the divine melody of Annamacharya continues to uplift lives across the globe.

TANDANANA is a global music contest dedicated to the timeless compositions of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya. Participants from around the world are invited to showcase their talent in rendering Annamacharya Keerthanas across three age-based categories:

• Sub-Junior: below 6 years
• Junior: 7 to 15 years
• Senior: 16 years and above

Registrations and video submissions are open until 31^st August. Aspiring participants can register online at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdukdKEKeOOVStKaVHMh8IJlzwIG2jwKFqhbjIISg7r-_kBzw/viewform]. The registration