At 15, Madurai lad is popular in mridangam circuit

MADURAI: Many students complain that they can't give time for hobbies due to studies. Students like M Sarvajit Krishna are exceptions, though. The 15-year-old from TVS Nagar here finds time to pursue studies as well his passion, playing mridangam, seriously. The budding percussionist is already a known name in the mridangam circuit in Madurai. Simultaneously, he nurtures the dream of becoming a doctor.
Krishna's music loving family is confident that he would be become a renowned mridangam percussionist. He started playing mridangam, an essential accompaniment in Carnatic music performances, at the age of five. Two years later, he commenced professional training to play the percussion instrument. His keen interest in music from childhood helped him to devote time to practice and play mridangam at classical music concerts.
"Listening to classical and devotional music from the childhood drove me to pursue mridangam seriously. With the help of my master K Thiagarajan I have already received several awards like 'Isai Karuvula Vaithiya Mani' and 'Laya Ratna' from various music associations. I attend classical music concerts in Madurai, Chennai and other parts of the state," said Krishna.
I will be attending a concert in the United States after my examination, he added.
Krishna knows his priorities well. "Although studies are my first priority, mridangam has always been my passion," he said. His mother R Lakhshmiprabha, who is herself a vocalist, hopes he can pursue twin careers. "He is good at studies too. He is aspiring to become a doctor while simultaneously continuing his musical skills. He has won awards and prizes in studies too," said.
Parents noticed Krishna's talents in his childhood when he used to utilise any object to raise sound with his fingers. At just five years he started exhibiting his skills in mritangam. Soon, his parents took efforts to nurture the interest. His father K Mohan, a chartered accountant and mother, would accompany him wherever he performs, said K S Ramakrishnan, his grandfather.
"I want to play mridangam for all reputed classical singers, especially Nithyasree Mahadevan and Sanjay Subrahmanyan. Though, I want to keep on developing my skills, the scope is very less in Madurai. Only a few listen to classical music here. I wish I were in Chennai where opportunity is abundance," he said.