Meet

Amogha Āyurveda Welcomes, Acharya Ratna, Vidhushi, Rajam Shanker a distinguished figure in the realm of Indian Classical Music Therapy.

Her career spans over four decades, during which she has served as an esteemed Instructor and Practicing Therapist specializing in the field of Autism Spectrum and Related Neuro-Developmental Disabilities. Rajam Shanker's association with interdisciplinary medical and rehabilitation professionals and institutions has been instrumental in advancing the domain of curative education for both children and adults. Through her diligent efforts, she has harnessed the wisdom of ancient texts to curate indigenous and alternative Raga-Chikitsa protocols. These protocols, deeply rooted in our legacy, have formed the basis of her transformative therapeutic interventions.

Rajam Shanker's expertise revolves around the utilization of classical music as a therapeutic medium. She employs the time-honored practice of Nada Anusandana, where classical music elements are skillfully woven to craft scientifically designed and clinically validated custom interventions. Her interventions cater to individual children and adults affiliated with specialized institutions across Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi. Furthermore, she imparts her knowledge to intern therapists, musically trained mothers, family caregivers, special educators, and professionals from diverse disciplines, both within India and abroad.

Guided by the revered Guru-Sishya Parampara traditions, Rajam Shanker has blossomed under the mentorship of her Guru, Sangeetha Mahamahopadhyaya Brahmasri Kollegal R Subramanyam, an authority within the Saint Thyagaraja Swami Parampara lineage. Her academic journey includes accomplishments such as a science degree, a master's degree in Carnatic Classical Music, and the prestigious Sangeetha Alankara title from the National Music University, Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Her influence extends as a senior music instructor and examiner for over four decades, alongside her mastery of Vedic Astrology, which she leverages as a medical assessment tool.

Rajam Shanker's commitment to advancing the field of music therapy is evident through her affiliations with various professional organizations, including NADA Centre for Music Therapy & Research India, IMTA (Indian Music Therapy Association), WFMT (World Federation of Music Therapy), and IAMM (International Association for Music & Medicine). She has garnered attention not only from the medical and academic sectors but also from cultural and artistic platforms.

Central to her contributions is her book, "The Healing Power of Indian Ragas," which offers insight into Indian Classical Music Therapy. This book, now in its second print edition, delves into the synergies between Ragas and the body's energy centers, fostering healing and wellness. Rajam Shanker conducts regular sessions, both in-person and online, catering to students, music therapy clients, doctors, trainee therapists, caregivers, and senior citizens, transcending geographical boundaries.

Rajam Shanker's impact resonates globally, as she's been invited to share her insights at numerous seminars, conferences, and workshops, in India and beyond. Notable venues include the University of Hyderabad, Benares Hindu University, Apollo Hospital Hyderabad, and international events in Spain, South Korea, and France. As an Adjunct Professor at the Vedic Wellness University, she imparts academic sessions on Indian Classical Music Therapy.

Her contributions have earned her a plethora of accolades, such as the Acharya Ratna, Rotary Vocational Excellence Award, NADA Excellence Award, and the HyBizTV Women Leadership 2020 Award. Beyond these laurels, she extends her influence by engaging with a range of audiences, including educational institutions, senior citizens' groups, and various media platforms, disseminating the significance of Music Therapy in promoting health and wellness.

One of her notable achievements is her role in nurturing musically inclined individuals to become caregivers within their communities. Rajam Shanker's multilingual capabilities, along with her captivating presentations, have garnered both critical and popular acclaim across print and visual media, TV broadcasts, and radio programs. Over a hundred episodes of her informative talks on the therapeutic potential of different Ragas have been broadcast on regional TV channels, solidifying her status as a pioneer in the realm of Indian Classical Music Therapy.

Recently, Rajam Shanker has embraced a fresh role as a valued member of the Amogha Āyurveda team. This step emphasizes her enduring commitment to spreading the profound benefits of Music Therapy. Her objective is to sustain her teaching efforts, imparting her expertise to those excited to weave this ancient Indian practice into the fabric of their lives and professional pursuits. This new chapter in her remarkable journey highlights her unwavering commitment to advancing Music Therapy and highlighting its holistic advantages.