upcoming
Fri, Nov 20, 2026
Open Samvaad
An ongoing community series designed for open exchange, shared listening, and experimentation.
Venue: Bay Area venue to be announced
Audience: Open community format
Bay Area Hindustani music community
Riyaaz to Rangmanch
Samvaad exists to bridge the space between learning and performing Hindustani classical art forms.
"Every gathering is where riyaaz meets rasikas, tradition meets curiosity, and music becomes Samvaad."
Upcoming Events
What the community can join next.
upcoming
Thu, Oct 15, 2026
Gulzar Guftagu
A forthcoming thematic evening exploring poetry, music, and conversation.
Venue: Bay Area venue to be announced
Audience: Community event
upcoming
Sun, Aug 30, 2026
Swarankur
A Hindustani classical music baithak featuring solo vocal and instrumental raaga presentations by passionate young artists and dedicated disciples of the tradition.
Venue: Los Altos, California
Audience: Ages 8 and above
2 programs20+ artists100+ reached100% volunteer
About Samvaad
A conversation that grows into community.
Every artist begins a conversation with a note, a raag, a guru, and with themselves. Through years of riyaaz, that conversation deepens until it reaches the rangmanch, where it is shared with listeners.
Mission
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization creating meaningful spaces where students, artists, accompanists, teachers, and rasikas come together to learn, perform, and celebrate Hindustani classical music and allied arts.
Vision
We envision a thriving community where Hindustani music and allied arts inspire, educate, and connect generations.
Through intimate baithaks and community gatherings, we help students and emerging artists:
- Perform in a supportive, welcoming environment
- Build confidence and stage presence
- Learn from fellow artists, mentors, and audiences
- Experience the joy of sharing their art
DiscoverLearnPerformConnectGive Back
Leadership
Stewarded by volunteers who care deeply about the art and the community.
Varsha Damle
President
Guiding Samvaad's vision for intimate, community-rooted spaces for Hindustani music.
Namrata Lele
Vice President & Secretary
Helping shape programming, community communications, and the structure behind each gathering.
Ramchandra Khaparde
Treasurer
Supporting transparent stewardship so every contribution can stretch meaningfully.
Rahul Zingde
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Building collaborations with artists, venues, schools, and aligned community partners.
Engage
There are many ways to be part of Samvaad.
Whether you want to perform, listen, support, or collaborate, one form helps us route you to the right next conversation.
Perform
Share your artistry in baithaks, youth showcases, and thematic programs.
Join through the shared formAccompany
Join as a tabla, harmonium, violin, keyboard, or other collaborative accompanist.
Join through the shared formVolunteer
Support hospitality, stage management, sound, photography, video, outreach, or fundraising.
Join through the shared formPartner
Collaborate with Samvaad as a Baithak Host, venue partner, nonprofit, music school, sponsor, or community ally.
Join through the shared formLearn
Take part in listening sessions, workshops, and collaborative learning spaces.
Join through the shared formAttend
Be part of the audience that keeps intimate listening traditions alive.
Join through the shared formDonate
Help sustain artists, gatherings, and community learning.
Support helps cover artists, venues, sound, recordings, educational programming, and outreach. Samvaad is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to Samvaad are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Ways to Give
- One-time support
- Monthly giving
- Corporate matching
- Sponsorships
- In-kind donations
- Host a baithak at your home
- Sponsor a baithak
Where support goes
Baithaks, youth programs, workshops, documentation, artist care, and the practical logistics that make intimate cultural spaces possible.
Zeffy
A Zeffy donation link will be added here once the organization finalizes the setup.
Donation link pendingFAQ
Questions the community is likely to ask first.
The answers below are easy to update as the organization refines language and policies.
What is Samvaad?
Samvaad is a community-led nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful spaces where students, artists, accompanists, teachers, and rasikas come together to learn, perform, and celebrate Hindustani music and allied arts.
Who can participate?
Samvaad is designed for listeners, learners, performers, accompanists, volunteers, families, and community partners. Some events may have age or format guidance that will be listed on the event page.
How are performers selected?
Selection depends on the event format, artist readiness, and programming balance. We want to create supportive, high-quality experiences while also opening doors for emerging artists.
Is Samvaad only for experts?
Not at all. Samvaad is meant to welcome both experienced artists and curious newcomers who want to listen, learn, and engage respectfully.
Can children attend or perform?
Yes. Family participation is part of the community we hope to nurture, and youth showcases are central to the long-term vision.
How can I volunteer or partner?
Use the Join the Community form to tell us how you'd like to help, whether that is hospitality, sound, photography, fundraising, venue partnerships, or educational collaboration.
Are donations tax deductible?
Samvaad is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to Samvaad are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Join the Community
Tell Samvaad how you’d like to participate.
This shared form doubles as a contact channel and the starting point for performers, accompanists, volunteers, partners, learners, donors, and attendees.