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Kamakshi Navavaranam Course of Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi

Shakti Extratainment is pleased to telecast the workshop conducted by Chitravina N Ravikiran on Sept 23, 2007 at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai, presented by IFCM. Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi (1700-65) is now considered to have been the first to compose Navavarana krtis. Addressed to Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchi, these are 12 main songs including a Vinayaka stuti, dhyana stuti and phala shruti besides the nine avarana krtis. These are works of stunning brilliance in terms of melodic, rhythmic and lyrical content as well as intricate details related to avarana worship.

Those interested can download the lyrics for free in English and Sanskrit from the dedicated Yahoo Groups website.

Mega Master-classes in Chennai

Shakti Extratainment thanks gurus and master musicians Shri P S Narayanaswami, Smt Rama Ravi, Prof S R Janakiraman, Shri Trichur Ramachandran, and composer Tanjavur Shankara Iyer for making the IFCM mega workshop that it sponsored successful. The magnificent masterpieces that these legends taught included rarely heard varnams and krtis of esteemed composers. The entire workshop will be telecast by the channel on IPTV shortly. Those interested can also access the courses through specially made to order DVDs at this time. Email us to order your copy.

Coming Soon

Hindustani - Flute virtuoso Pt Ronu Majumdar's recital after Kumar Gandharva Samman & the impeccable Smt N Rajam (violin).
Special courses - More rare compositions of Tygaraja and Muttuswami Dikshitar by Shri P S Narayanaswami, Javalis and rare krtis by Smt Rama Ravi, Exquisite Geetams and short Tamil compositions by Chitravina N Ravikiran.

What is Shakti and How to Get Started

Riding on cutting edge technology, Shakti Extratainment and the premium Shakti Extratainment Plus are two of India's pioneering IPTV channels which aim to provide the best of India's classical and contemporary culture to global Indian viewers in the USA. The Shakti motto is to provide phenomenal enjoyment at nominal costs on a Watch at Will basis. The company is constantly widening its content base and offers an excellent platform in this revolutionary area for quality content houses and other channels. It also offers excellent opportunities for investment at various levels.

Our programs can be accessed through a special IPTV Set Top Box (click on the image in the right hand column to order) of platform partners, Verismo Networks.
This revolutionary Box enables one to access the channel's programs directly on to one's television from an existing broadband internet connection.
One does not have to subscribe to a cable or satellite operator.
Just plug the box to your broadband source and to your TV and enjoy!

News and media links

SPECIAL OFFER ONLY TILL DIWALI: The great news is that the Shakti - Verismo ViPTV Set Top Box is going to cost you much less than the original $149...! Order your box today for only $99!
Shakti's launch announcement in Chennai reported in The Hindu: http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/07/05/stories/2007070559381000.htm
For an audio interview on the company and its launch, go to: http://go2indiaweb20.com/?p=193.
For a preview of its Chennai launch, please go to http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/26/stories/2007062660220200.htm
The company's Bay Area Launch in USA on June 30th with live demos of the Set Top Box and Shakti's programs as also a thematic violin duo concert by California-based Kesav and Govind Raghavan were much appreciated.

Features

Enjoy our movies, Carnatic and Hindustani Classical music, popular music-dance shows featuring film stars, serials/soaps, comedy plays and spiritually uplifting programs.
Effortlessly learn languages like Hindi and access undreamt of courses from some of the greatest living musicians, gurus and composers of classical music. well as music and dance in a fun-filled manner.
Get most out of our 'VR4U' scheme - participate in our contests & get slots in our global TV programs and public shows.
No monthly fees - content on demand for a 10-day access on Shakti and special content also available for a 1-year access on Shakti Plus.

Latest Programs

Ettanai Manidargal - Presented by Seventh Channel, this serial has stars like Sivakumar, Charuhasan, Bharati and many others.
Nallador Veenai - Krishnaswami Associates' acclaimed serial starring Poornam Vishwanathan, Nizhalgal Ravi, ARS and Lakshmi.
Vaazhkai -

Another acclaimed Tamil serial by Seventh Channel.

Carnatic - Sangita Kalanidhi Shri D K Jayaraman's special thematic concert on Papanasam Sivan's compositions.
New Age Music - The legendary M S Viswanathan in Bangalore.
Learn from maestros (Shakti PLUS exclusive) - Rare compositions taught by Shri P S Narayanaswami, Javalis and by Smt Rama Ravi.
Spiritual Bliss - Manava Seva Kendra, Bangalore presents several uplifting lectures and question - answer sessions by Guruji Vishwanath.
Harikathas - Kalyanapuram Aravamudan enchants with the story of Andal while Balakrishna Shastrigal narrates two excellent sthala puranas (local legends) - Kanchi and Kalahasti.

Shakti-Verismo Set Top Box Order before DIWALI! Save $50!!

Bani and OVK Festivals

Mr N Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, inaugurated and noted film director, Padmashri Dr K Balachander presided over the Shakti Extratainment BANI Festival in Chennai recently. Mr Murali of Krishna Sweets and flute maestro Dr N Ramani were the Guests of Honour in the this musical megavaganza, which showcased several famous banis (styles) of Carnatic music over two days.

Soon after, Shakti co-sponsored a 12-hour festival on Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi in Chennai which was attended by Mr N Murali, President, Music Academy, Dr Mrs YGP, Padmabhooshan Alarmel Valli and Mr R Krishnaswamy, President, Federation of Sabhas. These events will be telecast by the channel shortly.

Global Talent Contest

Thank you all for your enthusiastic participation!! We will be handpicking and telecasting the best shows from the applicants. Order your Set Top Box today and watch yourself or your children perform! Shakti will announce the winners by Nov 15, 2007.