Dr. Rakesh Kumar is a distinguished and dynamic flutist belonging to the revered Banaras Gharana tradition of Indian classical music. Trained initially by his father, the eminent Shehnai and Flute maestro Pt. Shri Jawahar Lal, Dr. Kumar further honed his craft under the guidance of renowned gurus, including Pt. Shyam Lal, Pt. Mahadev Prasad Mishra, Dr. Prahlad Nath, and Pt. Manohar Lal. He completed his doctoral degree under the supervision of Dr. Prem Kishore Mishra at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Instrumental Music at the Faculty of Performing Arts, BHU, Dr. Kumar is an "A-Grade" artist with All India Radio and Doordarshan. His artistry has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Acharya Allauddin Khan Memorial Award presented by Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma and the Purvanchal Ratan Alankaran Samman (2019).

Dr. Kumar has delivered acclaimed performances across India at esteemed festivals such as Ganga Mahotsav, Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, Subah-e-Banaras, and Mahindra Kabira Festival, as well as internationally, including the "Soul of Banaras" festival in Spain. His dedication to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical music continues to inspire audiences and students alike.