2025 – The Year as it moves on – Part 1

 INDIA – 2025

Prayag Raj – Maha Kumbhmela – Started from 13^th January 2025 to 26^th February 2025;

It was conducted at the Triveni Sangamam at Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh.

UttarPradesh had made elaborate arrangements for the Pilgrims, it was visited from all over the world. It was celebrated with verve and vigour. Nearly 60 Crore people visited the Kumbhmela and taken the holy bath in the river. Few incidents have been reported – 2 fire incidents , and one stampede on a Holy Snan Bath day -where in 30 people were reportedly died The UP government under Yogi Adityanath had made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims – Security by nearly 40,000 policemen, arrangements for the meals both by government and voluntary organisations – notably from Hare Krishna Movement, Adani Family, Reliance Family – which ran the ‘Annandhanam’ Centre – 24 Hrs a day for the whole period of Maha Kumbhmela.

It was great recognition to the Government of India and to the UP government for conducting this mega event for 45 days without much incidents – Kudos for both the Central and State government and also to the people who have visited the Kumbhmela. The incidents were unfortunate in nature, but the magnanimity of the event – where 60 crore people visited – will impress your thought process. From PM Modiji to Foreign Dignitaries to Cold Play Chris Martin to Cine Stars – to various CM’s of state – all took holy bath; No caste or Creed separated; It was a mind blogging event – celestial in nature – rooted in Sanadhana Culture , it’s indianness of bharatiya thought-culture- flowing through Yugas (Not generations) were in full view for the world. If we can count 60 crores is all European countries put together, two time the population of USofA etc.,

Delhi Assembly Election – BJP swept for Power after 17 years ; AK lost the elections. Woman Chief Minister sworn-in; Great Achievement by the BJP. BJP/NDA are in government in 19 States and 2 Union Territories encompassing the 4 Sides (NEWS)

SPORTS – India won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – by defeating NewZealand in Final

Australian Open Tennis – John Sinner Won – Great Rivalry in tennis from the next gen is on the way – Carlos Alcaraz, John Sinner, Medvedev and a new crop of players. Same in the Women tennis – Swiatek, Gauf, Sabalenka and a new crop of players; Sabalenka Won the Australian Open.

Football – New Champion in English Premier League – Liverpool; Man City finished in 4^th Place – a place in the Champions League; ISL Football – Mohun Bagan Is the Winner – ISL has made a great interest in football – the level of professional play has been increased and with good crowds in all the venues.

IPL – IPL 18^th Season is on way – in Final Stages – Yesterday RCB beat PBKS -a rather one-sided match. Cannot Believe the way PBKS played – but one thing stood out – good players get separated from the great players and this is all the situation which granted or created the good players to move on to be great players – Shreyas Iyer an atrocious shot – you have to give respect to the bowler – Josh Hazlewood – come on he is an international test player bowler – Shashank Singh – an opportunity to show the Indian Selectors he has come to the big stage – Team is in dire situation – only 8 overs has gone – attempting a cross batted shot – oh god – it just felt at that time – this is not a “REAL MATCH’ you know – all reputed players Stoinis fell to another cross batted shot. Match ‘THROWN AWAY’ literally, figuratively etc., Competition was good – Not much of high scores – Pitch was much much better – this time it showed that all and sundry players did not perform both In bat and ball

 

…………….To be Continued

 

About My Father - Kadayanallur S Venkataraman - 'CO-PILOT'

 About My Father - Kadayanallur S Venkataraman - 'CO-PILOT' 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNXJHjpH3r8RWIhTz8L1AbPhZyR2NAS9

On Collaboration With MS AMMA

The collaboration between Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman and M. S. Subbulakshmi had a profound impact on Carnatic music, enriching the genre in several ways:

Revival of Annamacharya's Compositions: Their work together brought the compositions of the 14th-century saint composer Annamacharya to the forefront. Venkataraman's ability to set these ancient verses to music allowed Subbulakshmi to perform them, making these compositions widely popular and accessible 1.

Timeless Classics: The duo created timeless pieces such as "Kurai Onrum Illai," which became a universal favorite. These compositions are still celebrated and performed today, showcasing the enduring quality of their work1.

Innovative Musical Settings: Venkataraman's innovative approach to blending raga and bhava (emotion) in his compositions provided a fresh perspective in Carnatic music. His settings for various ragas, such as Kedaragowlai and Kapi, added depth and variety to Subbulakshmi's performances 1.

Enhanced Musical Expression: The synergy between Venkataraman's compositions and Subbulakshmi's vocal prowess resulted in performances that were emotionally rich and musically intricate. This collaboration set a high standard for musical expression in Carnatic music2.

Cultural Impact: Their work together not only influenced the music community but also had a broader cultural impact. Subbulakshmi's renditions of Venkataraman's compositions became iconic, contributing to the global appreciation of Carnatic music 2.

Their collaboration is remembered as a golden era in Carnatic music, marked by creativity, innovation, and deep emotional resonance.

Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman's style stood out in several ways:

Emphasis on Bhava (Emotion): Venkataraman had a unique ability to blend raga (melodic framework) and bhava (emotion) seamlessly. His compositions were known for their emotional depth, which resonated deeply with listeners 1.

Innovative Raga Usage: He was innovative in his use of ragas, often choosing less commonly used ones and bringing out their full potential. For instance, his settings in ragas like Kedaragowlai and Kapi were particularly noted for their freshness and appeal 1.

Tailored Compositions: His compositions were often tailored to suit the voice and style of M. S. Subbulakshmi. This bespoke approach ensured that the music perfectly complemented her vocal strengths, making their collaborations particularly memorable 2.

Simplicity and Clarity: Despite the complexity of his compositions, Venkataraman maintained a simplicity and clarity that made his music accessible to a wide audience. His ability to convey profound emotions through straightforward musical phrases was a hallmark of his style 3.

Quiet Genius: Venkataraman was known for his humility and quiet demeanor. He let his music speak for itself, avoiding the limelight and focusing purely on the art1.

These elements combined to create a distinctive style that set Venkataraman apart from his contemporaries and left a lasting impact on Carnatic music.

Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman was a deeply respected yet understated figure in the world of Carnatic music, best known for his work as a music composer and lyricist, especially in collaboration with the legendary M. S. Subbulakshmi.

🎼 Life and Career Highlights

Born: 1929, to K. V. Subbier, a PWD employee and bhajan enthusiast.

Education: Studied at the Swati Tirunal Music College in Thiruvananthapuram.

Early Career: Worked as a tambura artiste at the All India Radio (AIR) station in Thiruvananthapuram.

Training: Received musical training from stalwarts like Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar and B. Rajam Iyer (in Muthuswami Dikshitar's kritis).

🎶 Contributions to Music

Though he never pursued fame or a concert career, Venkataraman's compositional genius came to light when he was chosen to set tunes for the Annamacharya kritis—ancient Telugu devotional verses—at the behest of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.

These compositions were rendered by M. S. Subbulakshmi, and many became iconic, including:

"Kurai Onrum Illai" (lyrics by Rajaji)

"Jo Achyutananda" (in raga Kapi)

"Koluvaiyunnade" (in raga Kedaragowla)

His ability to blend raga and bhava (melody and emotion) was widely admired, even though he remained a quiet, humble figure throughout his life 1 2.

🧘 Personal Life

Venkataraman was known for his modesty and simplicity. He spent years helping his disabled son run a telephone booth at St. Isabel’s Hospital in Chennai, a fact unknown to many who admired his music.

He passed away quietly on February 6, 2004, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, humility, and musical brilliance 1.

Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman’s collaborations—especially with M. S. Subbulakshmi—are among the most cherished in the history of Indian classical music. His role was pivotal in shaping the devotional and lyrical depth of many of her most iconic renditions.

🌟 Key Collaborations

1. With M. S. Subbulakshmi

This was his most celebrated partnership, and it began when Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer recommended Venkataraman to compose tunes for the Annamacharya kritis—devotional verses that had survived only as lyrics, with no known melodies.

"Jo Achyutananda" (Raga: Kapi): A lullaby steeped in maternal devotion.

"Koluvaiyunnade" (Raga: Kedaragowla): A majestic piece often performed in temple rituals.

"Bhavayami Gopalabalam": A ragamalika that became a staple in MS’s concerts.

"Kurai Onrum Illai": A Tamil hymn penned by Rajaji, set to music by Venkataraman, and immortalized by MS. It became a spiritual anthem for millions.

These compositions were not just musical pieces—they were spiritual experiences, and Venkataraman’s genius lay in his ability to blend raga, bhava (emotion), and lyrical meaning seamlessly 1.

2. With Radha Viswanathan

MS Subbulakshmi’s daughter, Radha, often sang alongside her mother. Venkataraman’s compositions were tailored to suit both voices, creating a harmonious blend of melody and devotion. Their duets, especially in live concerts and recordings, carried his musical signature.

3. With Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)

When TTD launched a project to revive and popularize Annamacharya’s compositions, Venkataraman was entrusted with setting many of them to music. His work was instrumental in bringing these 14th-century verses to life for modern audiences.

Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman’s musical style is revered for its deep spiritual sensitivity, raga purity, and emotional resonance. Though he remained largely behind the scenes, his compositions have become immortal through the voices of M. S. Subbulakshmi and Radha Viswanathan.

🎼 Hallmarks of His Musical Style

1. Bhava-Driven Composition

Venkataraman prioritized bhava (emotional expression) over technical flamboyance. His tunes were crafted to enhance the lyrical and devotional essence of the text, making them deeply moving and spiritually uplifting.

For example, in "Jo Achyutananda", the lullaby-like softness of Raga Kapi perfectly mirrors the maternal tenderness of the lyrics.

2. Raga Integrity

He was meticulous about raga lakshana (the grammar and identity of a raga). His compositions never strayed from the core identity of the raga, yet he managed to infuse freshness into each piece.

In "Koluvaiyunnade" (Raga Kedaragowla), the grandeur of the raga is preserved while making it accessible to a wide audience.

3. Simple, Singable Structures

Unlike some composers who favored complex rhythmic patterns, Venkataraman often used straightforward talas (rhythmic cycles) and melodic contours that made his compositions easy to learn and sing—ideal for devotional settings.

4. Ragamalikas and Thematic Unity

He was adept at composing ragamalikas (songs that traverse multiple ragas), such as "Bhavayami Gopalabalam", where each stanza is set in a different raga, yet the transitions feel seamless and organic.

5. Devotional DepthKadayanallur S. Venkataraman’s influence on other composers and the broader Carnatic music community is subtle yet profound. While he never sought the limelight, his musical philosophy and compositional style left a lasting imprint on how devotional music was approached in the 20th century.

🌟 Key Areas of Influence

1. Revival of Annamacharya Kritis

Venkataraman’s work in setting tunes to the Annamacharya kritis—many of which had no surviving melodies—was groundbreaking. His approach became a template for future composers who were tasked with reviving ancient lyrics. He demonstrated how to:

Maintain raga integrity while making the compositions accessible.

Use simple yet evocative melodic structures to enhance lyrical meaning.

Balance classical purity with devotional appeal, making the songs suitable for both concert and spiritual settings 1.

2. Influence on Devotional Music Composition

His compositions, especially those rendered by M. S. Subbulakshmi, became benchmarks for devotional music. Composers who followed were inspired by:

His emphasis on bhava (emotion) over technical complexity.

His ability to match raga to lyrical mood, a skill that elevated the spiritual impact of the music.

His minimalist orchestration, which allowed the voice and lyrics to shine.

3. Impact on AIR and Music Education

As a tambura artist and music educator at All India Radio (AIR), Venkataraman influenced a generation of musicians through:

His radio music classes, known for their clarity and depth.

His mentorship and tuning expertise, which many senior musicians appreciated during their AIR performances1.

4. Inspiration to Contemporaries and Students

Though he didn’t have formal disciples in the traditional sense, many musicians who worked with him or studied his compositions were inspired by his humility, discipline, and devotion to music. His work encouraged others to:

Approach music as a spiritual offering, not just a performance.

Value subtlety and restraint in composition.

His compositions were not just musical exercises—they were acts of devotion. This is why they resonated so powerfully when sung by MS Subbulakshmi, whose own music was deeply spiritual.

Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman composed and tuned many devotional gems, especially for M. S. Subbulakshmi, that have become timeless classics. Here are some of his most famous and beloved compositions:

🎶 Top Compositions Tuned by Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman

Title Language Raga Notable Performer

Bhavayami Gopalabalam Sanskrit Ragamalika M. S. Subbulakshmi

Jo Achyutananda Telugu Kapi M. S. Subbulakshmi

Koluvaiyunnade Telugu Kedaragowla M. S. Subbulakshmi

Kurai Onrum Illai Tamil Ragamalika M. S. Subbulakshmi

Vinayakar Agaval Tamil Ragamalika M. S. Subbulakshmi

Sri Meenakshi Pancharatnam Sanskrit Various M. S. Subbulakshmi

Ganesa Pancharatnam Sanskrit Various M. S. Subbulakshmi

Entamatramu Telugu Ragamalika M. S. Subbulakshmi

Ksheerabdi Kanyakaku Telugu Kalyani M. S. Subbulakshmi

Deva Devam Bhaje Sanskrit Mayamalavagowla M. S. Subbulakshmi

These compositions are revered not only for their melodic beauty but also for their spiritual depth. Venkataraman’s ability to match the mood of the lyrics with the perfect raga made these pieces unforgettable.

 

Expressions After a Very Very Long Time – Actually after 5 Long Years

 

 

My Thankfulness and My Gratitude to all who shaped my 'FUTURES' from day one 

"Be Kind Be Thoughtful Be Genuine Be Humble But Most Of all be Grateful - Be Thankful

" There is always Something to be Grateful For"

" Be Thankful for Everything that Happens in Your Life; It is all an Experience"

Girish – April 30^th 2025

Monumental date – my Retirement date , after a Roller coaster ride of 35 years (So many ups and downs – not talking about the ‘PERSONAL FRONT’ – about the ‘OFFICIAL FRONT’;

Few Remembrances – opinions could be varied (Some Good Decisions taken, Some Bad Decisions taken, all-in-all a wholesome ride for 35 years)

1990

-          Appointment order from Rajshri Sugars, placement in Coimbatore – a sort of campus placement; as an Engineer Trainee – did not took it

-          Appointment order from Tata Consultancy Services (A recommendation (From a Senior Person from Sanmar, where I did a summer project (Friend of my father)  – met the Finance Head Mr Mahalingam – who later become CFO for TCS – interview happened with operations team – got an offer as an Operations Engineer trainee with INR1800/month – Karma striked (In the form of a Person) – Met my senior(From College as well as in the Hostel)  in the reception , working in the TCS as a programmer – he adviced not to take the offer as it is like ‘ Shift Hours – Printouts to be taken for big clients (main frame Computers and Data Printouts running into thousands of pages), that sort of jobs (What we call now Remote Hands on Job services in the Data Centre) – ask them that you need a developer job – but that time due to HR Policies – TCS didn’t recognize M.Sc Computer Science Degree – so no developer job; - it was in ‘HOLD’;

-          I went for another interview in SANMAR itself – got an offer – Graduate Engineer Trainee in their development centre in MEPZ Tambaram – I took that offer – rejected TCS. Sad affair is 3 months went about the training sessions in the Oracle Database, I thing Fortran – no project has come and no work – Senior developers resigned enmasse (about 3-5 off them)  – so Sanmar Management decided to close it down and asked me to move to Sanmar Office – payroll section; 3 months were there – suddenly one day they called me and asked me to go – gave the checque-said bye-bye and came home (I still remember the silence feeling I had the whole time of travel from office to home thinking what should I tell my parents – is it my fault (not taking the TCS Job etc., or i am not good – so many thoughts and feelings – but I was hopeful I would get a good job – I need to take Life as it comes and as it is – God is there to guide. Parents supported – what else can they do isn’t it!!!

1991 - 1999

-          Year started - A tragic year which shattered our whole family – Nephew (First sister son got hospitalized – 33 long days all in COMA State – the whole family (Mine as my BILs family) took turns in the hospital (front of ICU) – Alas – Nephew couldn’t make it – My Job Search was on hold for 2 months – and once again started – same time my third sister alliance fixed – so marriage work – so few months went on that work and once again started – recommendation once again – Went to Tube Products – Avadi Office for an Interview – Got Selected – INR800 Per month – TII Office (TIAM House) – Worked there for 2 years – moved to TIDC Chennai / Moved to RCD Hyderabad (Implemented single handedly PPC – Production Planning and Control/MMS – Material Management System / Payroll and Accounts Management System / Attendance Management System/Other sub-systems ( DDE ORG (Oracle and Unix  based systems)) – worked till 1999 – Same time TII as a group started implementing SAP Systems – Don’t know whether Karma or fate – once again struck through a Senior (Always a Senior !!! Heheheheh) ; Interviewed for Australian Visa – Outsourcing Job – Got Australian Visa – Resigned from TIDC – 31^st Dec 1999.

2000 - 2002

-          Due to internal conflicts in the company (nTier Solutions) – Australian Company / Visa could fructify – so they offered me a domestic job – PM – HDFC Bank (Internet Banking – Online Shopping Mall Website development) Site Office -Mumbai Office; ERP based systems or Internet based systems – took internet based systems job – carrot is Australian Visa – but no luck out there – took a domestic job – One particular achievement – First to develop an Online Shopping Mall website with Online Payment Gateway System – after 6-8 months stint – returned to Chennai office – from there as a first abroad visit – went to Bahrain – as a Quality Tester for Online Banking – Bahrain National Bank – Went to Qatar – Qatar National Bank – worked till 2002 end;

2002 – 2004

-          Somehow it didn’t worked out – as the QNB project was in huge negative ROI due to various factors – so eventhough I was not directly involved – the company asked me to look out for a new job – One of the colleagues (ex-colleague) said one position is there in his company -are you ready to join – so joined a company in perungudi – worked as Remote Maintenance engineer – a outsource company – who do the ‘Third party Testing – Configuration Management / Testing / Release Management for a Japanese Bank (Top Bank in Japan) – worked in Night Shifts – mid 2004 – they shifted the office to Hyderabad (Templeton Financials) – due to personal challenges couldn’t take up that offer.

2004 – 2005 (End)

-          Joined eLogistics India – GPS – for Location Based Services – Logistics – We had a GPS Based Location device which we will place in the Lorry – map the same in the MAP – during that time we don’t have digital maps – paper maps we digitised the maps and located the Longtitue and latitude based on the ‘SMS’ from the GPS Based Location devices placed in the lorries – due to the high cost of the SMSes that time – it was time delayed – it was a revolutionary concept that time – enjoyed that stint; After 6 unsuccessful attempts of US Visa – 7^th Time Successfully got H1 B Visa; Resigned from eLogistics – waited for the confirmation to travel to USofA- once again the ‘karma’ stuck – the travel was delayed for about 6-8 months – so I need to look out for a job – end of 2005 – attended an interview while doing  a visit to Shirdi Sai Temple in Mylapore – it was supposed to be a short trip for 2-3 months – so after that I can go to USofA. Few employees within that company – Filed for Saudi visit – all of them got rejected- they wanted to try me out.

2006-2011

-          Joined Bizsoft Solutions – it was a ‘Golden Period’ in my professional career at the same time – End it was a very difficult period too – forced to work without pay for 6 months (visa did not got renewed – flew out of AUH with a week of visa – afraid whether we will be stopped at the Airport (As the company went bankrupt – vendors have moved the AUH court etc.,)

-          Initial period was very good – Product Implementation Manager – Archibus – full fledged Facility management Solution – Maximo (an IBM Asset Management product; Implemented the product to various industries /companies – All over Gulf – Kuwait / Bahrain/UAE/Saudi Arabia/Turkmenistan – Worked in the Sandstorm/Minus Zero Degrees Temperature/Abot 50 Degrees heat – Aerospace/Retail/Oil and Gas Companies/ banking etc.,

2012 – 2025

-          Stint in SIFY Technologies – 13 Years of Service; At the Joining time – New Technology – New Services – All in All New Kind of Work – It was a Great experience – Lots of Moments – Good and Bad – So many experiences – each one as good and bad as one – Friends – Frenemies – Overall a great learning experience. Varied Systems – Processes – great time in work – Work as well as Play – Enjoyed going to office daily; Supportive colleagues in time of need during the hard times when my elder brother and mother was hospitalized and had to be looked upon (24 hours care – bed ridden) – toughtimes from 2013 – 2015 – It was really heartwarming that the Colleagues as well as the ‘Department Bosses’ helped in so many ways – done WFH when it is not the New Normal Until the COVID Strikes. That was another great time – when worked from the office when it was opened and given the Option to work from Office – An empty office - had a whale of time in office.  All in All a great work experience - satisfaction all the way till the ‘RETIREMENT DAY’.