Sri Vyankatesh Kumar hails from Lakshmipura, a hamlet in the Bellary District. Born and brought up in a rural ambience with ancesteral folk tradition, he was strongly influenced by his father, a rennowned Folk Artist. Impressed by his genuine dedication to music, Pandit Puttaraja ( Gawai, Gwalior Gharana) taugh him its nuances. Further, he compeleted his post graduate degree in Music from the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya creditably Sri Vyankatesh Kumar is gifted with a melifluous, robust and vibrnt voice, rich in tradition, deep in devotion and dexterous in bhava. Vyankatesh Kumar is a phenomenon in himself. His versatility deserves to be admired when he renders the Vachanas and Haridasa Kritis, wherein he unveils the metaphysical meaning of the compositions through his musical genius. When he renders these Kritis, he does not sing but he prays. His vast experience, deep rooted commitment and strainless sincerity to his Art has made Vyankatesh Kumar a name to reckon with by the connoisseurs and Art critics alike. Sri Vyankatesh Kumar's versatility has been acknowledged throughout the length and breadth of the country, wherein he has been invited to perform in allmost all the major Music, Art and Cultural festivals. He has featured in the National Program of Music, and has been an "A" grade artist since 1988. Sri Vyankatesh Kumar has been a recipient of the Karnataka State Rajythsava Award and the titles "Swara Sree", "Sangeeta Sudhakara" and "Sangeeta Ratana" have been conferred on him by established cultural organisations. Sri Vyankatesh Kumar has recorded many Audio Cassettes, and a CD of devotional songs. His thoughts, experience and meditative writing on Music form the content of the text book on Music prescribed for the examinaion conducted by the Govt. of Karnataka . Sri Vyankatesh Kumar's recitals have wide demand from various T.V. Channels including DDK. Sri Vyankatesh Kumar's mission is to tread the path of melody to his full potential, preserving the orthodox tradition and spread the Art among the enthusiasts. He has a vast follwing and a large band of disciples. At present, Shri Vyankatesh Kumar is serving as a faculty at Music Collage, Dharwad University and teaches music to degree classes.

Artists: Vyankatesh Kumar (Vocal), Bharat Kamat (Tabla), Pramod Marathe (Harmonium)

Tracks:
1. Raga Saraswati: Vilambit Ektal - Jaage More Bhag (जागे मोरे भाग) (36.14) - Vyankatesh Kumar (Vocal), Bharat Kamat (Tabla), Pramod Marathe (Harmonium)
2. Raga Saraswati: Drut Teental - Piya Tori Lagi Tirachhi Najariyaa (पिया तोरी लागी तिरछी नजरिया) (20.01) - Vyankatesh Kumar (Vocal), Bharat Kamat (Tabla), Pramod Marathe (Harmonium)
3. Raga Shahana Kanada: Madhyalay Rupak - Kaun Sukh Dhaayee (कौन सुख धायी) - Vyankatesh Kumar (Vocal), Bharat Kamat (Tabla), Pramod Marathe (Harmonium)