Classes & faculty

Pragathi Vidyalaya

Indian cultural and heritage classes in the USA — nurturing the talents of children and adults alike.

Register for classes

About the classes

Where heritage meets talent

Pragathi Vidyalaya teaches Indian cultural and heritage classes — from classical music to competitive chess — led by experienced faculty who bring out the talent in children and elders alike. Classes run through the school year, with individual sessions on request.

Every class also gives back: the program supports Pragathi USA's charitable work — educating disadvantaged students, caring for children who have lost parents, and feeding elders and families in need.

Register for classes
Students at our chess tournamentStudents with their awards at Pragathi UtsavStudents performing classical danceChildren at the computer hall opening
Pragathi Vidyalaya · Classes

What you can learn

Indian cultural and heritage classes, taught by accomplished faculty — for children and adults alike. Group sessions run through the school year, with individual sessions on request.

See photos from our classes and concerts →
🎤

Hindustani Vocal & Keyboard

with Sri Humayun Khan

Classical North Indian vocal training and keyboard — building voice, rhythm, and musicality from the ground up.

🎻

Carnatic Violin

with Sri Narasimhan Nallan Chakravarthula

South Indian classical violin, taught with more than 15 years of teaching experience in the USA.

See Carnatic Violin photos →
♟️

Kings Indian Chess

with David Bennett · US National Master & IM

Beginner and intermediate coaching — group sessions at county public schools, with individual sessions on request.

Meet our faculty ↓

$900
Hindustani Vocal & Keyboard
$875
Carnatic Violin — Beginners
$925
Carnatic Violin — Advanced
$50
One-time registration · funds Annual Day

2026–27 season tuition (30 classes). Zelle is our preferred, fee-free way to pay — register and see payment options →

Our faculty

Meet the teachers behind the talent

Experienced, accomplished, and passionate instructors devoted to developing the gifts of every student.

HK
Hindustani Vocal & Keyboard

Sri Humayun Khan

Faculty · Hindustani Vocal & Keyboard

Humayun Khan began his classical training in 1990 under Shubha Sankaran and went on to study formally in Calcutta under the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan, with additional guidance from Ustad Fateh Ali Khan in 1995. He has performed in many programs across the globe, and brings that depth of tradition to every student he teaches.

  • ✓Classical training since 1990
  • ✓Studied under Ustad Vilayat Khan in Calcutta
  • ✓Guidance from Ustad Fateh Ali Khan (1995)
  • ✓Performed at programs around the world
Join Hindustani Vocal classes →
NC
Carnatic Violin

Sri Narasimhan Nallan Chakravarthula

Faculty · Carnatic Violin

Narasimhan began learning Carnatic music on the violin at the age of eight. An IT consultant by profession, he has devoted more than 15 years to teaching in the USA — including 5 years in Herndon, Virginia — and has performed in both India and America.

  • ✓Learning Carnatic violin since age 8
  • ✓15+ years of teaching in the USA
  • ✓5 years teaching in Herndon, Virginia
  • ✓Performed in India and America
Join Carnatic Violin classes →
DB
Kings Indian Chess

David Bennett

Faculty · Kings Indian Chess

David Bennett is a US National Master and International Master who has trained five DC Champions. He brings world-class instruction to the Kings Indian Chess club, coaching beginner and intermediate students through group sessions at county public schools.

  • ✓US National Master & International Master
  • ✓Coach of five DC Champions
  • ✓USCF-certified coach
  • ✓Group and individual sessions
Join Kings Indian Chess classes →
A chess board mid-game
Kings Indian Chess

Play, enjoy & promote chess

The Kings Indian Chess club gives students a place and the opportunity to play, enjoy, and promote chess throughout the community. Classes focus on beginner and intermediate levels during the school year.

  • ✓Group sessions at county public schools
  • ✓Led by a USCF-certified coach
  • ✓Individual sessions available on request
  • ✓Expert guidance from US National Master & International Master David Bennett
Join the club
Beyond the Classroom

Learning that gives back

Pragathi Vidyalaya is part of a larger charitable mission spanning two continents.

📡

Technology Access

Educating blind, tribal, and disadvantaged students with technology, assistive tools, and support.

🧩

Autism Support

Assisting autistic students and their families in India in accessing the support and resources they need.

🩺

Financial Aid

Providing financial assistance to seniors and surgery patients during difficult times.

Discover the talent within

Our faculty are experts at nurturing the gifts of children and elders alike. Join Pragathi Vidyalaya today.

Register for classes