Sudakshina receives award at state
competition at Puri Bhajan Samaji, India, 1990.
 


Sudakshina Alagia began singing at the early age of five. Initially she sang many Bengali folk songs written by Rabindranath Tagore, and participated in several dance dramas. She completed her Bmus at 15 and continued to study Northern Hindustani Classical music from Pdt. J V Subba Rao.


Through her studies in School and College, she won several awards and competitions. Not just gifted in music but in studies as well, Sudakshina was completing her PhD in Zoology at University when she decided to marry and go overseas (she holds a Masters in Biological Sciences degree with Cytogenetics emphasis).
 


Sudakshina with Guruji Lakshmi Shankar.



Sudakshina with Laboni, Shibani, and
Shalini Patnaik Orissi dancers.
 



She has studied music with Lakshmi Shankar in Los Angeles, California and has performed with Lakshmiji, alongside concerts of her own in the U.S. Canada and Europe; including concerts involving dance troops of different languages and cultures of India. She has performed in the presence of acclaimed artists like Pdt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain as well as others. She has a melodious voice and is able to sing a wide variety of songs including Ghazals, Bhajans, Classical, Semi-classical, Orissi as well as Bengali songs.




Sudakshina with Shri Anup Jalota
at Bhajan competition.
  


An international Bhajan competition was held in Los Angeles in the Spring of 2000. There, Sudakshina won first prize over several other professional artists. Anup Jalota was the guest of honor and chief Judge for the competiton.


Later that year, Sudakshina released her first CD in India. There she was congradulated by Anand Sagar for her progress. She also sang in hindi television series including solo songs and a duet with Sonu Nigam.
  


Sudakshina being congradulated by film
producer Shri Anand Sagar.


Neal Alagia - husband, Sukanya Shankar,
Pandit Ravi Shankar and Guruji Lakshmi Shankar, Sudakshina Alagia (back row)

  




Currently Sudakshina lives in San Diego, California and is a board member for the center for world music. She offers classes in Northern Hindustani Classical music and she is available to do concerts.