Music is a fathomless ocean and I am swimming in it for the past seven decades chuckles Seetha mami. This octogenarian wields the stick and gently caresses the water cups to produce Sapthaswaras. It is an aural treat for music lovers to hear Seetha play Jalatarangam.

Hailing from Vannarpet in Tirunelveli district her musically inclined parents placed her under the tutorship of Seetharama Bhagavathar for Carnatic music-vocal. Her mother who used to sing and probably Seetha drew her inspiration from her. I used to practice arduously at home after the classes declares Seetha in a reminiscent mood. Any time is music time for her as Seetha and her sister Meenakshi used to drown themselves in music all the time.

She was inducted into Prof .Sambamurthy's Summer School of Indian music where she imbibed the nuances of music and broadened her horizons.

He applauded me for my chaste rendition of Thodi raga beams Seetha who is awe struck at the musical erudition of Sambamurthy. A person who wishes to excel in instruments should learn vocal first declares the agile Seetha who has globe trotted attired in the traditional madisar saree.

Her love for the water cups loomed ,large in her and leant the art of playing from the renowned Jalatarangam player Ramaniah chettiar. Though her tutelage under him was short lived yet she assimilated the intricacies during this period. A legatee of Ramaniah tradition she plays a range of instruments including Veena and harmonium.

Mean while she passed her music exams creditably and also won a gold medal. Prof Sambamurthy was exhilarated seeing me play jalatarangam that he gifted a set of cups to me states Seetha.

Marriage and family was never a hindrance and they extended whole hearted support to her.They deserve a bouquet for the encouragement given to Seetha.

Her rich synthesis of styles made her a popular musician as she is a repository of multi skills. Seetha has performed in AIR and TV. To play Jalatarangam in cold countries is difficult as the required inputs will be absent due to the chillness opines Seetha. Her incredible repertoire and Swara Gnanam is awesome. In her unique kitchen orchestra she has included all the utensils which produces harmonious music. Graced with innumerable awards she feels that recognition from people throughout the globe is her greatest feat.

Her son is a Mridangam player and the members of her family are connoisseurs of music.Age does not dissuade her from performing and her quest for excellence continues.

Mira