About Raag

Raag is a non-profit voluntary organization run on the enthusiasm and dedication of students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The purpose of Raag is to present the artistic heritage of India to audiences both within and outside of the University. This objective will be achieved in a twofold manner: by inviting the greatest exponents of various Indian art forms to Nebraska and by presenting young and upcoming local artistes of promise. By this, it is hoped that Raag will be able to present and encourage the pursuit of art among local artistes within the United States. The classical Indian art forms are continuously evolving as a result of the interactions between Indian and other peoples. In acknowledgement of this movement, Raag would also like to offer a venue for artistes who have ventured into inter-cultural territories.


The beginnings of what is now called Raag were in 1993 as a chapter of the SPIC MACAY (India), an organization dedicated to the promotion of the Indian arts. As part of its activities, this organization brought several artistes of repute to Lincoln, including: Vijayakrishnan, Rajeev Taranath, and Pundit Jasraj. It was soon decided to make it a UNL student organization and gave it the name "Raag." Under its auspices the group continued to present world renowned artists like Pundit Shiv Kumar Sharma, T.V. Sheshagopalan, Sowmya, The Bombay Sisters, Pundit Zakhir Hussain and many more. Some dance performances were also presented. Most of the concerts were held in the Westbrook Hall, Music Department, UNL. A few of were held at the Hindu Temple in Omaha and at the UNL Students’ Union. Raag soon became a household name among the music and dance lovers of Nebraska. The concerts attracted a large and enthusiastic audience, not only from Nebraska, but, also from neighboring states like Iowa, South Dakota and Kansas. Raag has however been inactive since 2001. A spirited group of volunteers have now restarted the organization. It is hoped that Raag will again bring the cultural vibrancy of India to the connoisseurs of Nebraska soon.


Raag is planning to resume its journey in the Indian arts by presenting music and dance in the middle of February 2007. It is envisioned that every person’s life will be enriched by involvement in Raag’s activities, both as part of an audience and as part of the organization.