My name is Sujith Themath, and I am a full-time software engineer working at Salesforce. Since 2020, I have been learning Hindustani Bansuri from Dr. Aakash Thakkar, whom I respectfully call Aakash Ji. Despite a busy professional schedule, I’ve been able to make meaningful progress through once-a-week online lessons, thanks to his thoughtful and structured teaching approach.

In just a few years, I’ve grown to an intermediate level — able to play small compositions, recognize ragas, and understand their structure, nuances, and application on the flute. Aakash Ji has helped me internalize both the theoretical and practical aspects of Hindustani classical music in a way that feels natural, progressive, and deeply fulfilling.

What sets Aakash Ji apart is his holistic and inclusive perspective. While rooted in Hindustani music, he often draws insightful parallels with Carnatic and Western styles, enriching my understanding of musical concepts, language, and structure across systems. His ability to adapt to each student’s pace and learning style — whether beginner or advanced — speaks to his experience and dedication as a teacher.

Beyond technical instruction, Aakash Ji has become a mentor and spiritual guide. His guidance on how to practice, focus, and approach learning with calmness and clarity has influenced not only my music but also how I organize my everyday life. Under his mentorship, I’ve grown not just as a musician, but also as a more grounded and centered individual.

Aakash Ji teaches through his music school Venukul (https://www.venukul.com/), a wonderful platform for anyone interested in learning Hindustani flute and gaining a broader understanding of music as a whole. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking to explore the depth and beauty of music — technically, artistically, and spiritually.

My son Vishwanath, now 10 years old, has been learning Carnatic flute from Poornima ma'am online for the past two years—and it’s been a truly transformative experience. Her melodious playing, gentle patience, and intuitive teaching style have made her not just a teacher, but a guiding light in his musical journey.

Vishwanath began learning Carnatic vocal at the age of 6. Once he grasped the nuances of Swara Sthanas and Shruti, we introduced him to the flute under Poornima ma'am’s guidance—and it was an instant success. She helped him master fingering, posture, and blowing techniques with such clarity that he now feels confident exploring other instruments too.

His favorite kriti to play is Bho Shambho, and he returns to it often with joy and devotion. Poornima ma'am has always been incredibly accommodating—scheduling classes around his availability and even his moods. Her warmth, playfulness, and deep musical knowledge makes her the kind of guru every parent hopes for; one who nurtures not just skill, but soul.

We are deeply grateful for the love, care, and musical foundation she has given our son. Thank you, ma'am, for being such a beautiful part of his life. 🙏

I have been learning flute from Poornima Ma’am for the past 2.5+ years. Before joining her classes, I had completed a very basic beginner course on Udemy. When I started, even my fundamentals — from how to hold the flute to how to blow — needed correction. Despite our classes being entirely online, Poornima Ma’am guided me patiently and helped me rebuild my foundation the right way. I’m a software engineering manager by profession and live in Texas, USA. What truly stands out about Poornima Ma’am is her boundless patience. She never ends a class until she’s sure her students have fully understood the concept. Her belief and optimism in her students have helped us grow tremendously — from struggling with the basics to now being able to play Geethams, Varnams, and even folk songs. She has a unique way of simplifying complex musical concepts like Gamakams into easy, relatable terms. I’m truly grateful to have found a teacher like Poornima Ma’am.

If you’re looking to begin your flute journey, look no further — you’ve found the right person. Bring your passion and patience to learn, and you’ll experience the immense joy and satisfaction of playing this beautiful instrument under her guidance

Every person comes to music with their own inhibitions and ambitions. I, too, from a young age wanted to understand the intricacies which turn sound into music. What began as a young person's wish, transformed into a gradual process of self-discovery at Venukul. "The music of a flute is indicative of the music that we humans carry in every breathe." Starting from the very fundamentals, to understanding my breath in a renewed fashion, to finding a mentor
in Dr. Aakash sir, who exposed me to my potential; I found it all in Venukul. I continue to learn, myself in music and through music, at Venukul. Music became self-discovery here!"  

I'm so grateful to have found my flute teacher! Initially I thought, I could learn from social media, but soon realized that nothing beats the guidance of a good mentor. My teacher has been a blessing - patient, supportive, and always encouraging. The classes have not only helped me hold & play the flute, but also introduced me to the rich world of Indian classical music. So its both theoretical as well as practical. What's impressed me the most is my teacher's calm and composed approach, making me feel at ease even when I'm struggling. Highly recommended! 😊

I’ve been learning Bansuri at Venukul for the past three years. Though I started with very little background on music, the one-on-one guidance and a strong focus on fundamentals, I’ve achieved what once felt impossible.

Venukul has not only introduced me to the Bansuri, but to the music itself. My Guru Aakash Ji's patience, flexibility and attention to minute details have made it possible even with a demanding schedule.

A truly enriching and enjoyable experience—I highly recommend Venukul to anyone looking to begin or deepen their journey in music.