A remarkable story of talent and determination is set to grace the cultural city of Mysuru. Aditya Jonnalagadda, a young and inspiring Carnatic vocalist from Hyderabad, will be performing for the second time in the city on December 4 (Thursday). The venue for this special event is Deekshit Aarogya Dhaama.
An Early Spark for Music
Aditya's journey in music began long before he could speak, a path illuminated by his innate connection to melody. Born to parents Yamini Srinivas, a music teacher, and J Ravi Srinivas in Hyderabad, Aditya was diagnosed with autism. He exhibited hyperactivity, restlessness, and delayed speech. However, his mother noticed a profound change when music was present.
As a toddler, he would silently absorb every note from his mother's classes and imitate the students. "I noticed that he was naturally grasping music, so I began to train him. His formal lessons started when he was six," recalls Yamini. For Aditya, music became a sanctuary, providing an extraordinary sense of calm and focus that contrasted with his daily challenges.
Overcoming Challenges with Exceptional Skill
Despite the hurdles posed by autism, Aditya displayed a rare and precise musical intellect. He could pick up the 'shruti' or pitch with flawless accuracy and remember complex 'sangatis' (musical phrases) with an exceptional memory. His mother integrated music into their daily life and gradually introduced him to concerts.
This patient exposure helped a child who couldn't sit through a movie develop the sitting tolerance needed for lengthy performances. He began recognizing ragas and understanding the structure of a classical concert. His musical tastes evolved from adoring legends like MS Subbulakshmi and Bombay Jayashri to following contemporary stalwarts such as the Malladi Brothers, OS Arun, and the Thrissur Brothers.
"He chose music on his own. A child who struggled to speak began singing beautifully, and I believe it is God's gift," says Yamini. With consistent guidance from his gurus and the aid of YouTube concerts, Aditya navigated through difficult phases, honing his craft.
A Recognized Artist and Upcoming Performance
Aditya has now performed in more than a dozen concerts, building a reputation for his dedication and artistry. His academic journey includes completing schooling through NIOS and securing a distinction in the four-year Carnatic vocal certificate course from Potti Sriramulu Telugu University. He has also completed a graphic design course.
His accolades are a testament to his brilliance:
- The Autism Excellence Award from the Governor of Telangana, presented by Marham Foundation.
- The Ummeed Award (Fine Arts) from NanhaGyan Foundation, Pune.
- He regularly competes with neurotypical children in music competitions and has won numerous prizes.
After his adolescent voice change, he sought advanced training under Kyvalya Kumar in 2015, who continues to guide him. His favourite ragas include Todi, Mohanam, Bhairavi, and Amruthavarshini.
For his Mysuru concert, Aditya will be accompanied by Vidushi Prerana Praveen on violin and Vidwan Kumaraswamy on mridangam. The event will also feature a special talk on 'Childhood Mental Developmental Challenges' by Dr. Vidyasagar, clinical neuropsychology consultant at Nimhans and president of Poorna Chetana Trust, Mysuru.
Aditya Jonnalagadda's story is not just about musical achievement; it is a powerful narrative of resilience, showing how passion can transcend barriers and create a symphony of hope and inspiration.
