Karthik Jayaram receiving the award from music director Uttam Singh
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Musician Karthik Krishna Jayaram from Thiruvananthapuram is just back from Raipur, after winning a national level singing competition. The win feels extra special to Karthik, as the contest was dedicated to India’s evergreen voice, Lata Mangeshkar. “She is my biggest inspiration. The ‘feel’ she lends to every song is magical,” he says.
Organised by the Swarnim Dharohar Lata Foundation (SDLF), based in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the contest included 457 auditions for participants from over 20 States. Karthik was among the 40 singers who were selected to the semi finals and he was also the only one from South India. The SDLF, which has been working towards preserving the legacy of Lata Mangeshkar and expanding the reach of her musical genius to the present and future generations, since its inception in 2021. Founded by Manoj Sharma in 2021, the organisation is keen to identify and nurture young talents from across the country. The contest is a step in that direction, says Karthik.
Published – April 17, 2026 12:34 pm IST
