Vikash Achutaramaiah

Vikash Achutaramaiah is one of those rare personalities who has managed to balance two very different worlds – the world of technology and the world of classical Indian arts. Born in Tamil Nadu and later settling in the United States, he has built a career as a respected IT professional while also becoming a celebrated Jal Tarang artist. His journey is inspiring because it shows how passion and dedication can help someone keep traditions alive even while living far away from home.

In July 2026, Vikash was honoured with the Music Fellowship Award, a recognition that placed him among the finest voices of water music. This award is not just about his talent but also about his commitment to reviving Jal Tarang, an ancient Indian instrument that uses porcelain bowls filled with water to create melodious sounds.

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Vikash Achutaramaiah Age, Wife, Career, Family, BIO

Early Life and Background

Vikash was born in 1985 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, into a family deeply rooted in classical arts. His mother, Guru Chandrakumari Achutaramaiah, was a Bharatanatyam and folk dance teacher who played a major role in shaping his artistic journey. As of July 2026, Vikash is 41 years old. Vikash’s nationality today is American.

His early artistic journey is demonstrated by the fact that he gave his first theatrical performance at the juvenile age of two and a half. Unlike many children who take years to discover their interests, Vikash was already performing before he even started school. This early exposure to the stage gave him confidence and helped him develop a natural love for performing arts.

Education Journey

Achutaramaiah’s education reflects his ability to balance academics with his love for the arts. He completed his Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from Anna University, Chennai, one of India’s leading institutions. His professors often admired how he managed to excel in both studies and extracurricular activities.

Later, Vikash moved to the United States to pursue higher education. He earned his Master’s degree in Computer Science from Western Michigan University. Alongside this, he also completed a Diploma in Software Engineering, which gave him a strong foundation in technology.

Family and Relationships

Family has always been central to Vikash’s life. He married Harshitha RaviShankar on 23 November 2012, and the couple has built a life together in the United States. While Vikash is open about his professional and artistic achievements, he prefers to keep details about his children private, respecting their privacy.

His mother, Guru Chandrakumari Achutaramaiah, played a major role in shaping his artistic journey. She was not only a teacher of Bharatanatyam and folk dances but also a mentor who encouraged Vikash to explore different art forms. His brother, Prakash Achutaramaiah, has also been a source of support.

Artistic Training and Early Performances

From a very young age, Vikash trained in multiple art forms. He gained a broad awareness of Indian customs by learning Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Poikkal Kuthirai, and folk dances. He also trained in Carnatic vocal music under T.V. Ramprasadh, a respected musician. This training helped him develop a deep appreciation for rhythm, melody, and storytelling.

Vikash also showed interest in Harikatha, a traditional form of storytelling that combines music, narration, and philosophy. He later composed original Carnatic kritis and devotional songs in seven languages, showing his versatility as an artist. His early performances were not just about showcasing talent but also about keeping traditions alive.

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Career in Information Technology

While Vikash is celebrated as an artist, his professional career in IT is equally impressive. He moved to the United States in 2007 and began working with the Alabama Department of Public Health. Starting as a consultant, he rose to the position of Principal Consultant, contributing to the modernization of healthcare information systems.

With over 18 years of experience in software development and cloud technologies, Vikash has become a respected figure in the IT industry. His work involves designing solutions that improve healthcare services, making them more efficient and accessible. His ability to combine technical expertise with cultural sensitivity makes him stand out in both fields.

Journey with Jal Tarang

The turning point in Vikash’s artistic life came in 2010, when he stumbled upon a video of Jal Tarang online. The instrument fascinated him instantly. Jal Tarang, which means “waves in water,” is one of the oldest Indian percussion instruments, played using porcelain bowls filled with water. Each bowl produces a different note depending on the water level.

Vikash decided to learn this rare art form and trained under Kalaimamani Anayampatti S. Ganesan, a respected Jal Tarang artist. It was not easy to find the right porcelain bowls, and Vikash spent nearly $300–400 experimenting with different sets to achieve the perfect sound. His dedication paid off, and soon he was performing Jal Tarang concerts across the world.

Awards and Recognitions

Vikash’s talent has been recognised with several awards. He received the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Award, which honours artists who preserve and pass on traditional art forms. His leadership skills were also acknowledged when he earned the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) title from Toastmasters International, along with the Leadership Excellence Award.

The highlight of his career came in July 2026, when he was honoured with the Music Fellowship Award. This award recognised him as the “Voice of Water Music,” celebrating his efforts to revive Jal Tarang and bring it to global audiences. For Vikash, honors serve as a reminder of his duty to uphold customs and motivate the future generation in addition to being personal accomplishments.

Contributions to Society

Beyond his personal success, Vikash has always believed in giving back to society. In 2015, he co-founded Ryali, a nonprofit organisation that focuses on education, leadership, mentoring, and cultural awareness. Through Ryali, he has helped young people develop confidence, communication skills, and respect for cultural traditions.

He also introduced Harikatha in English, making the traditional storytelling art form accessible to a wider audience. His performance titled A Day in the Life of Saint Tyagaraja was praised for its simplicity and depth. By blending philosophy, music, and storytelling, Vikash has shown how ancient traditions can still inspire modern audiences.

Interesting Facts & Trivia

• Vikash gave his first stage performance at just 2.5 years old, a rare achievement for any child.
• He writes and composes songs in seven different languages, showing his versatility.
• He spent nearly $300–400 experimenting with porcelain bowls to perfect the Jal Tarang sound.
• He has performed in over 1,000 shows worldwide, making him one of the most recognised Jal Tarang artists today.
• He introduced Harikatha in English, making traditional storytelling accessible to global audiences.
• Despite living in the U.S., he continues to promote Indian culture and heritage through his nonprofit work.
• He balances his IT career with his artistic journey, proving that one can succeed in both fields.

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