Karthik Jayaram receiving the award from music director Uttam Singh | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Musician Karthik Krishna Jayaram from Thiruvananthapuram is just back from Raipur, after winning a national level singing competition. The win feels extra special to Karthik, as the contest was dedicated to India’s evergreen voice, Lata Mangeshkar. “She is my biggest inspiration. The ‘feel’ she lends to every song is magical,” he says. Organised by the Swarnim Dharohar Lata Foundation (SDLF), based in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the contest included 457 auditions for participants from over 20 States. Karthik was among the 40 singers who were selected to the semi finals and he was also the only one from South India. The SDLF, which has been working towards preserving the legacy of Lata Mangeshkar and expanding the reach of her musical genius to the present and future generations, since its inception in 2021. Founded by Manoj Sharma in 2021, the organisation is keen to identify and nurture young talents from across the country. The contest is a step in that direction, says Karthik. Published – April 17, 2026 12:34 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation How can Govt. move amendments to women’s quota law before notifying principal Act: Opposition in Lok Sabha NGT seeks pre-1950 maps of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar from Telangana govt