BeyondBooks: ‘Reciting on stage feels transcendent, as if I become a vessel for ancient wisdom’ 

Chhavi Verma, a Class X student of Apeejay School, Noida, has been conferred with a prestigious award for her exceptional shlok recitation. Her journey with Sanskrit began in childhood, when she was captivated by the rhythmic beauty and profound depth of ancient verses. The melodious flow, phonetic precision, and meditative essence of shloks connected her to centuries of wisdom, transforming early curiosity into a deep, lifelong passion rooted in dedication and discipline.

Read to know about her…

What’s your favourite shlok and why?

The second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, especially Karmanye Vadhikaraste, deeply resonates with me. It teaches commitment to action without attachment to results, a principle I practice in daily life. Simple yet profound, its timeless wisdom remains relevant to modern challenges. The rhythmic beauty of the verse makes it ideal for recitation, while its depth invites endless reflection, capturing the true essence of Sanskrit literature.

How do you feel while reciting on stage?

Reciting on stage feels transcendent, as if I become a vessel for ancient wisdom. What begins with focused energy soon turns into a meditative calm. I feel a deep responsibility to honour the tradition and connect with the audience. The vibrations of Sanskrit create a powerful presence, making the experience both humbling and empowering; a sacred link between timeless wisdom and the present moment.

How do you practice pronunciation and voice modulation?

I practise daily using recorded classical recitations, focusing on Sanskrit’s precise phonetics. Mirror practice improves articulation, while breathing and pitch exercises refine vocal control. Self-recordings aid correction, and guidance from scholars ensures authentic pronunciation.

What meaning or values do you personally take from the shloks?

They instil dharm through compassion, self-discipline, and righteous living. They illuminate knowledge, dispelling ignorance, and nurture humility, perseverance, and devotion. Teaching that true strength lies in mental clarity and emotional balance, they help me navigate modern life with ancient wisdom. 

Can you share a moment when the audience’s response truly touched you?

After an Inter-school competition, an elderly gentleman approached me with tears, sharing that my recitation took him back to his childhood when his grandmother chanted the same shloks. That moment revealed how Sanskrit transcends performance, preserving living memories and connecting generations through authentic expression. 

What is the most challenging aspect of this art form?

The greatest challenge lies in preserving authenticity while making Sanskrit accessible to modern audiences. Balancing precise pronunciation with emotional expression demands intense focus, as even a slight error can change meaning. Conveying deep philosophy through recitation alone requires constant refinement of both technique and interpretation.

How do you balance devotion and performance?

I see performance as an expression of devotion, not separate from it. Meditation helps me centre myself before recitation, reminding me that I serve the tradition, not applause. By surrendering ego, I let the Shlokas speak through me, using performance only to convey reverence.

Who has been your biggest guide or inspiration?

My Sanskrit teacher has been my guiding force, patiently refining my pronunciation and revealing deeper meanings. Legendary reciters like MS Subbulakshmi inspire me with their devotional purity, while my grandparents showed Sanskrit as a living tradition, teaching me that true mastery blends scholarship with heartfelt devotion.