For violinist R.Ok. Shriramkumar, Madras is particular in myriad methods

Madras is an irresistible emotion. Having been born and raised on this area of interest nook of the planet, it has, fairly naturally, permeated each cell of my being, says violinist R.Ok. Shriramkumar.

This is a metropolis that has all the time welcomed into its fold, with a lot fondness and magnanimity, a large number of cultures and traditions. I deem it a blessing to have been raised in Madras, a metropolis that has the proper mix of hallowed heritage and trendy thought.

Though infamous for the scorching summer season warmth, I nonetheless contemplate its climate scape to be merely salubrious.

Coming collectively throughout making an attempt moments is among the most admirable traits that characterises its spirit.

The unparalleled cultural capital that Madras is, it has nurtured the best skills of music, dance, theatre and the cine world.

Spiritual and spiritual legacies have vastly been fostered right here. I’ve been blessed with the very best of gurus, whose sheer presence has made different cities extremely envious of Madras.

Memories of spending numerous hours at varied venues, together with my gurus’ properties, Sri Sharadamba temple on Venkatanarayana highway, PSBB and Vivekananda College – my Alma Maters, the Music Academy, Srinivasa Sastri corridor, Ragasudha, Marina seaside, on PTC buses and autos, on the Central and Egmore railway stations, procuring hubs in T. Nagar, the temple of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal and the Mada streets round them, and extra, will all the time stay a lot cherished.

My first-ever live performance on Shankara Jayanti day with my good friend Vijay Siva; my shock debut on the Music Academy, accompanying Nagalakshmi Lakshmanan; my maiden concert events with doyens corresponding to D.Ok. Jayaraman, D.Ok. Pattammal, M.S. Subbulakshmi, T. Brinda and T. Mukta, M. Balamuralikrishna and V.V. Subrahmanyam, accompanying Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and M.S. Subbulakshmi singing in tandem, my affiliation with YACM and plenty of extra memorable occasions occurred right here.

It isn’t any surprise that Madras is particular to me in myriad methods – each skilled and private.

(As informed to Deepa H. Ramakrishnan)