Sreeram Srinivasan

First rays of light touch down upon this earth, life begins again ever so gradual. An old lady struggles on her early chores, Help or fade away and do what is natural? . Speeding motorists on the empty roads, this early day, unmindful of rules and signal, Surprised joggers jump aside in fright, Rage or walk away and do what is natural? . Parents with children in bright uniforms in tow, care and concern in their eyes so real, There, a hungry child looks longingly for alms, Give or move away and do what is natural? . Men of high status in their Gucci suits, Drive in cool comfort of a car so special, There, a poor old man toils in the hot sun, Stop or look away and do what is natural? . Evening of celebrations of a wedding, an affluent bride sits amid what is ostentatiously floral, There, a destitute woman neglected on the side, care or stay away and do what is natural? . Why so difficult to countenance human suffering, their penury, hunger and struggle, Or have we evolved so much to ass...

I just chanced upon a great rendition of Madhyamaavathi about a month and a half back by Bombay Sisters ("Ramakatha Sudha....." ofcourse) and had put it on my iPod for casual listening during my walks. I suddenly realised after listening to it carefully one evening that there was something about this piece. I must have probably listened to it a hundred times since then and still my appetite is far from being whetted and I want to listen more....... such is its power over me. M'vathi has always been a Raaga sung at the end of a Katcheri as audience are starting to think of home and how to pull out their cars out of the parking lot quickly and about all the rest of the problems they all left behind that evening when they walked into the concert. I have seen many in the audience also start to slowly file towards towards the exit. Seeing the mood among the audience, the performers also keep these pieces short without the usual alaapanas, neravals, swara renditions etc. Thanks...

Began as any day, plan of a jolly meet, a lovely beach resort soaks in sun's rays, A scenic mid morning drive for the group, To sit around, reflect on bygone days. . So many reminisce about school, the fond memories of friends and mates, while others of teachers, the good ol' days of yore, opening mind's sluice gates. . Not all good in those memories, the years give a certain privilege to speak, of the unspoken malice, words, and acts dealt onto those that were meek. . Aspro, choicest remedy for all, only side effects joy and very rarely a "kick". Was it a twin brother that delivered it or a stunt double that pulled that antic? . And there was another immortal one, "Echoing" among all that were present, Praise, not always, for this "white" man, Eyes well up for the one that is absent. . The young seek more fun with seniors, begin where other ends, a singing game, that captures the Mighty spirit, don't let it end but keep alive this KVMAA fl...

Rays of day's early light streaming down, this ordained day on this City of Destiny, Are these nostalgic hordes of alumni or army's platoons rising in joyous mutiny? . A special reunion in mater's holy precincts, Emotions, as each remember and reflect, A teacher in tears as she hugs the past, students bow and bend over in respect. . As one finds a long lost friend or a flame hugs, back-slaps and gaiety among rest, A few sit aside to speak of future vision, While others await an unknown chief guest! . Secrets are unveiled as a car drives up, Out comes a man of age and frail entity, The ever revered first Principal of KVM, Held in high esteem for his quiet dignity. . Ceremonies begin, men of stature on stage, MCs, elegant and comely, hold all captivated. Lamp lighting marks the start, prayer brings nostalgic tears leaving our souls rejuvenated. . Rousing speeches for minds to open, uncover a souvenir, bound to be a collector's delight Honours for ones that taught and guid...

Are oceans truly endless or are they Bounded by shores and land that border? Is the universe truly boundless or is it only Our thoughts that have no limits or rudder? . There r limits to the knots a ship can run, And to what strongest of men can endure, Limits to the weaponry a ship can carry, But no limits to what the mind can conjure. . Nation's emergence out of the bondage inventiveness to take it to the summits When the state of the art is indigenous, Then self-reliance truly knows no limits. . When a strong will to excel and exceed meets men with tireless commitment, When flawless planning stands alongside, No limits truly for human achievement. . No limits for this azure expanse above, No limits for depth of one's knowledge, No limits indeed for human imagination, No limits for the one that has the edge. . No limits for this baby, indeed, no limits. No limits for this baby, indeed, no limits.