The ninth edition of Times NIE Spotlight, Bengaluru's premier inter-school music competition, concluded on a spectacular note, celebrating the immense talent of the city's young musicians. Bigger, richer, and grander than ever, the event transformed from a mere contest into a festival of discipline, dedication, and extraordinary musical prowess.
A Grand Stage for Young Talent
Organised in partnership with the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SAPA), the finals were held at the state-of-the-art auditorium of Sindhi High School in Hebbal. The competition's scale was immense, featuring 1,200 participants from 350 schools, all from Class III and above. After rigorous preliminary and semi-final rounds across seven diverse categories, 51 exceptional finalists earned the right to perform on the grand stage.
Judges Impressed, Prizes Multiplied
The judging panel, comprising violin legend Dr. L Subramaniam, singer-songwriter Bindu Subramaniam, and violinist Ambi Subramaniam, was deeply moved by the high calibre of performances. The quality was so outstanding that it led to a series of ties in several categories. Consequently, the organisers awarded additional prizes, culminating in three grand-prize winners instead of one. Each grand winner received a cash prize of Rs 5,000, a one-year SaPa scholarship (50% off), a gift voucher, a trophy, and a certificate.
Maestro's Guidance and Encouragement
Addressing the gathering, Dr. L Subramaniam expressed delight at the evolving musical landscape. He found it refreshing to hear Carnatic music presented on the harmonica, drawing parallels with the historical integration of Western instruments like the clarinet and saxophone into the tradition. "It was perhaps time for the harmonica to take centre stage," he remarked.
He offered crucial advice to the budding artists, urging them to listen carefully to notes and use a metronome to strengthen melody and rhythm for more accurate performances, especially during improvisation. Importantly, he inspired students to consider music as a serious career, acknowledging parental concerns but emphasising that music is a demanding yet deeply fulfilling profession integral to culture and society.
Rachna Sharma, Principal of Sindhi High School, Hebbal, described the finals as heartwarming and inspiring. She praised the performers' confidence, composure, and the impressive range from soulful classical vocals to dynamic percussion. She noted that their focus and sincerity reflected countless hours of practice and dedicated guidance from teachers and parents. "Events like Times NIE Spotlight nurture confidence, resilience, and a respect for the arts," she stated.
The event ultimately rose above rivalry, ending with resonant applause that celebrated the unwavering passion of Bengaluru's next generation of musicians.
Winners of Times NIE - SaPa ‘Spotlight' 2025-2026
Indian Classical Vocal Solo:
Grade 3 to 6 – Pihuna Mandal, GEAR Innovative International School – Gurukul
Grade 6 and above – Vibhav Narasimman & Pragya Narasimman, Whitefield Global School
Indian Light Classical Vocal Solo:
Grade 3 to 6 – Laya Karthik, Gopalan International School
Grade 6 and above – Himaja Omkar Dhagamwar, Delhi Public School, Nacharam; Pragya Narasimman, Whitefield Global School
Indian Instrumental Solo:
Grade 3 to 6 – Sahitya Nadig, The Brigade School, Malleshwaram
Grade 6 and above – Sadhana Gowtham, Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, Bangalore North; Tejas Kesavamurthy, BVM Global School
Percussion Solo:
Grade 3 to 6 – Hiranmay G V, Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, Bangalore North
Grade 6 and above – Narain V Hamsagar, Ryan International School, Kundalahalli; Omkarnath R, Edify School, Kanakapura Road
International Music Vocal Solo:
Grade 3 to 6 – Dyuti Mukund, Sishu Griha Junior School
Grade 6 and above – Preshta Dilip, Presidency School, Bangalore South
International Music Instrumental Solo:
Grade 3 to 6 – Diyarth Rajesh Kumar, National Public School, Silk Board
Grade 6 and above – Johan Joseph Sam, National Public School, Jakkur
Group Performance:
Carmel High School, Basaveshwarnagar - Arohi Shah, Avyuktha Abhiram, Ayush, Manvitha B S, Vaishnavi C, Spandana Ilakal
Grand Prize Winners:
Omkarnath R, Edify School, Kanakapura Road
Narain V Hamsagar, Ryan International School, Kundalahalli
Sadhana Gowtham, Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, Bangalore North
