Manik Man Singh

EXPERIENCE Former Violin Teacher at St.Mary's High School,Jawalakhel 2017 - Present Former Music Teacher at Blood and Thunder Music Academy 2016 - Present Violin Teacher at Occidental Public School Jun 2019 - Present Former Violin Teacher at Gloria Secondary School 2018 - Present Violin Teacher at Nobel Academy Secondary School 2017 - Present Violin Teacher at Salvation Music Center 2017 - Present

Suraj Nepal, The Esraj player born in Nepal started a love affair with music since his childhood. He grew up listening to folk and religious tunes played during various festivals in Kathmandu. At the age of 10 he started playing madal (A Nepali percussion) and started singing folk songs since his school days. As years passed, his interest in eastern classical music and instruments grew. That’s when he met a musician friend of a relative that introduced him to Esraj and encouraged him to learn the instrument. He learnt Esraj from Guru Santosh Bhakta Shrestha who then was the only person in Nepal to play the instrument. He too was his only disciple. He received a diploma in Esraj and in 2007. Since then he’s won many accolades, performed with many international artists, played many projects, bands and function. He’s benchmark performances include Playing for Change Organization, Varanasi International Ashram, Udaipur Shilpgram Festival, CPI NTOK 2014 Korea and Wumeng Grassland Music Festival China 2016, Inner Mongolia China 2018 & Wilma Israel 2019 etc.

Jay Prakas Joshi (JP) is a Nepali tabla player and performing musician known for his rhythmic precision, classical grounding, and versatile accompaniment style across live stages and studio sessions. Active in Nepal’s contemporary music circuit, he represents a generation of musicians who blend traditional tabla techniques with modern performance settings, supporting singers, folk ensembles, and fusion acts.JP is recognized for his steady presence in live concerts, cultural programs, and collaborative musical projects, where his playing adds depth, timing, and emotional texture. His work reflects a commitment to preserving classical rhythmic traditions while adapting them for today’s diverse Nepali musical landscape.

Saran Kumar Pradhan (1943–1974) was one of Darjeeling’s most gifted lyricists, composers, and mandolin virtuosos, shaping the golden era of modern Nepali music. Born on 4 May 1943, he grew up in a culturally vibrant Darjeeling and taught himself banjo, harmonium, and mandolin with remarkable mastery. A science graduate from St. Joseph’s College, he later taught at St. Robert’s School, where he also composed the school anthem. A student of maestro Amber Gurung, Saran emerged as a leading figure of Adhunik music alongside Aruna Lama, whom he married in 1963. Their partnership produced timeless classics such as “Yaha Ful Nakhili Cha,” “Sabaile Bhanthe,” “Hera Na Hera Kancha,” and many others. His music club Sangeet Sangam became a creative hub that nurtured Darjeeling’s finest talents. Saran passed away in 1974 at just 31, leaving behind a luminous body of work that continues to define Nepali musical heritage.