On 19 February 2025, Delhi Public School, Ludhiana, in association with SPICMACAY, organized a cultural event aimed at deepening students' understanding of India’s diverse cultural heritage. The highlight of the event was a captivating performance by Smt. Uppalapu Nagamani, the first woman to play Carnatic music on the mandolin, a traditionally Western instrument. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Smt. Nagamani began her musical journey at a young age and has since performed globally, earning prestigious accolades such as the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2023. Accompanying her were two renowned percussionists—Madipakkam Shri Suresh on the mridangam and N. Rajaraman on the ghatam, who added rich rhythmic textures to the performance.

The program featured an engaging introduction to the mandolin’s role in Carnatic music, followed by a mesmerizing presentation of various ragas, including Ganapati Vandana, Vasudevaya, and Bho Shambhu, interwoven with intricate rhythmic patterns. Smt. Nagamani also showcased her versatility by blending a Western composition with elements of Carnatic raga, leaving the audience enthralled. An interactive session followed, where students engaged with the artists, learning about the challenges of adapting a Western instrument to Indian classical music and the emotional impact of ragas. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and a renewed appreciation for India’s classical music legacy.