The city of Boston once again found itself in the spotlight -this time not for its renowned academic institutions or thriving industries, but rather for the Vaggeyakara Vaibhavam, Carnatic music concert presented by Sruthilayalu at Grafton Middle School on Saturday, April 11th, in the esteemed presence of Maha Vidwan Sri Malladi Suribabu garu.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Sruthilayalu Executive Board member Sri Prasanna Lakshman Bachalli, who reflected on Sruthilayalu’s inspiring journey since its founding in 2016. Founded by Sri Badarinath Vissapragada and dedicated group of volunteers, it has been dedicated to promoting Indian music and culture, with a vision of providing a platform for those who have the passion and enthusiasm to learn and appreciate Carnatic music.

Over the years it hosted music events Annamacharya, Ramadasu, Tyagaraja and Narayana Thertha Utsavams, while providing a platform for those who have the passion and enthusiasm to learn and appreciate Carnatic music.

And the organization is once again here this month with the 10th anniversary bringing in Maha Vidwan Sri Malladi Suribabu garu as the chief guest.

Sri Malladi Suribabu garu is a renowned Carnatic musician who is deeply rooted in tradition, known for his commitment to classical values, and is a gifted composer, scholar and recipient of several prestigious awards including the Kala Ratna from the government of Andhra Pradesh. He is a dedicated teacher and has mentored numerous students and played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Carnatic musicians.  New England music lovers got firsthand experience of sri Suribabu’s teaching style in person during the 3-day Vaggeyakara workshop (April 8-10) organized by Sruthilayalu. During these workshops the legendary guru taught over 50 rasikas that included local music teachers, children and adults with varied levels of Carnatic music skill sets and age groups. Only a true maestro like Sri Suribabu garu could teach 9 difficult Keenans in such a short time. The keertanas were selected by Sruthilayalu team diligently and included Annamayya, Ramadasu, Tyajagara and special selections from SaDaSiva Brahmendara Swamy and Purandara Dasa. Nahire nahi Sanka (Valaji) and BhajarE gOpAlam (Hindolam)  of SaDaSiva Brahmendara Swamy and SaraNAgatha rakshNA ( Yamun Kalyani) of Ramadasu took a special place in the hearts of the rasikas. Jaya Jaya DurgE ( Suddha s?veri, Durga ragam Hindustani, ) composed by Sri Suribabu himself, moved the attendees as he narrated his personal experience of composing the song.

The workshop experience deeply resonated with attendees, as reflected in their heartfelt feedback:

“I have no words to express level of bliss the whole experience gave!!! Our community has been immensely blessed to have such a Stalwart/ Guru teach us not only set of Krithis but also demonstrate the purpose of music and how to render Carnatic music overall”

“He has taught all of us an entirely fresh perspective and attitude toward Carnatic music with his loving nature and energy!! Very inspiring and fulfilling music and energy that very few can impart. May the Devine energy he spread remain with all of us !!”

“This workshop was not just about learning how to sing…but learning how to be humble despite all the achievements…and receiving the positive and divine energy that has been flowing through a Guru Parampara”

The attendees showcased what they learned during the workshops when they performed in the presence of their guru and as a prelude to that Maha Vidwan’s concert.

Sruthilayalu executive team honored Sri Malladi Suribabu garu by bestowing the inaugural award, “Sruthilayala Shiromani” in recognition of his lifetime achievements and contributions. Sri. Subramanyam Kuruganti coordinated the felicitation of Mahavidwan Sri Malladi Suri Babu garu and articulated the contents of the award with great clarity and diction not only in Telugu but also in Sanskrit.

The highlight of the day was a grand  Carnatic music concert by Sruthilaya Shiromani, the legend, Malladi Suri Babu garu.

The delighted audience was mesmerized to witness the recital of beautiful keertanas by Suribabu garu and the joy of the accompanying artists on the stage. It was pure bliss to listen to the master pieces rendered by Mahavidwan Sruthilaya Shiromani Sri Malladi Suribabu garu. The way he renders the kritis with full bhavam in his voice and expressions is mesmerizing, and one can perceive the meaning even if they do not know the language they are composed in. The popular compositions presented on Saturday in the concert included:  EnATi nOmu phalamO.. (Bhairavi), rArA mA inTi dAka...(Asaaveri) of Thyagaraju, telisitE mOkshamu teliyakunna bandhamu (Hamsadhvani) of Annamayya.

This recital was excellently accompanied by our own local talented artists Sri. Surya Sundaranjan on violin, Sri. SriRamaKrishna Rekapalli and Sri. Arvind Karthik Malladi on mridangam.

Artists were felicitated by Sruthilayalu Board members Sri Srikanth Gomattam and Smt. Sandhya Bommaraju.

Sraveo Audio team provided excellent service with their technical expertise. Sri.Subba Rao Punnamaraju, Sri. Satyakant Abbaraju and Sri. Surendra Madadi provided Photo and  video support. The décor smt. Sravanthi Somayajula along with other volunteers was set in an Indian traditional manner to befit the occasion. The entire event and the workshops were conducted in a highly professional manner with meticulous attention for detail and logistics by executive team with the help of several volunteers.

When contacted, Sri Badarinath shared his thoughts about the organization Vision. He would like that Boston be the “Center of excellence in Carnatic Music” in the next 10 years. He was grateful to the community for supporting and promoting this vision.

Sruthilayalu Executive Committee

Srikant Gomattam
Prasanna Bachali
Sriramakrishna Rekapalli
Sandhya Bommaraju