Vaishnavi Muddam, a student of Shobha Sekhar, has brought the soulful notes of the Veena, India's national instrument, to the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. Shobha Sekhar is a well-known vainika in Melbourne has pioneered several initiatives to propagate Indian classical music in Australia.

The inclusion of the Veena at ANU is a significant cultural milestone, representing Australia's embrace of diverse global traditions. ANU now offers double degree courses that include Indian music as a core subject. This exciting development creates new opportunities for undergraduate studies in Australia, inviting music enthusiasts from India to explore and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Indian music.

This initiative is a collaboration between Vaishnavi Muddam and ANU's Head of Music, Kim Cunio.