Kenneth Holmes President of the Rotary Club of Coventry

  President Ken Holmes of the Rotary Club of Coventry gives thanks to Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan and Shuthri UK for supporting the relief work with vulnerable and at risk children, following the devastating floods in Chennai.     Ken says the monies will be directed to our friends in Arunhodhaya, who have a marvelous track record of making such a difference to the lives of children.  ShruthiUK epitomizes one of Rotary objectives of ‘ Being a Gift to the World’     What better expression than that of Chithra’s support for this work, thank you “  

‘Thyagaraja was truly the Beethoven of Carnatic Music and his music and philosophy truly belongs to the entire world. It is so heartening to know that ShruthiUK and its founder Dr.Chithra Ramakrishnan  is propagating our rich legacy throughout the UK, keeping the values embedded in it in tact. I would like to pray and bless her laudable efforts on this great occasion.’

‘I am delighted to be able to support ShruthiUk and the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival  in bringing its wonderful Indian Classical Music & Dance to a wider audience for a 6th year, and to celebrate the bringing together of musicians and dancers from all over the world to perform at this event, and am sorry I am not able to be with you on this occasion.  Congratulations and my very best wishes for a successful celebration.’  

My wife and I were pleased to attend Thyagaraja festival celebrations recently at Solihull organised by ShruthiUK on 12th March.  Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan FRSA is a very talented person, good teacher, good organiser and good person. She arranged the function very well with participation by children, performers from London and elsewhere. The function was to Honour Women on International Women’s Day – for their contribution to women empowerment and help the other women to pursue their passion. Music and dance cross the boundaries of language and culture, easily understood, spreading the message of love and peace. Chithra deserves congratulations and we look forward to many such occasions in the future where the fragrance of love and respect spreads through her dance and music enriching the culture of West Midlands .

Chris Reed is Head of Care Services at Acorns in Birmingham. He has a long history with the Hospice joining Acorns in 1991 as a staff nurse at Selly Oak later moving to the Black Country hospice as Deputy Head Nurse when it opened in 1999. He left the organisation in 2003 to work with neuromuscular charities returning in 2008 in his present senior role leading the Hospice in Selly Oak.  Acorns currently care for over 800 children and their families, including those who are bereaved. However, we know there are many more children and families who need our help. Over the last 10 years Acorns has developed a wide-ranging growth strategy for delivering palliative care to 1000 children and their families wherever it is needed each year by the end of the decade. It is Chris’ job to deliver Acorns services across Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire to our diverse population.  ‘The work done by ShruthiUK with children’s charities such as Acorns Children’s Hospice, whom I represent is amazing. Music and dance transcends any culture, language or disability. Children with significant disabilities or sensory problems can enjoy what the artist can provide and in many cases join in; even if this is only in some small way. And that’s where the magic is; participation and involvement. Keep up all your good work!  I attended the festival with my wife and 7 year old daughter and arrived as children were singing on the stage. There is a certain soothing reassurance of hearing children singing which tells you everything is good. The South Indian rhythms, beats and harmonies performed by the artists were very beautiful and skilfully crafted, worthy of recording, producing and listening to again and again. They certainly got our feet tapping. The traditional dancing was colourful, intricate and delicate. The costumes and make up amazing. With the aromas coming from the kitchen as lunch was prepared and the Carnatic melodies and dance being performed before you it could almost be imagined you were in India. We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to future opportunities of experiencing this again. Thanks for inviting us.’

I was born and brought up in India and am familiar with the many colourful religious and cultural festivals of India. However, I was not expecting to find such an oasis of Indian culture, talent and friendship as I found at the recent Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival 2016.  My husband and I were delighted to have been invited to be part of the Festival and thoroughly enjoyed the magical dancing, music and delicious food.  It was particularly special for me as I was being honoured as part of International Women’s Day for my work caring for children and young people with liver disease at Birmingham Children’s’ Hospital Liver Unit.  It was a day to remember.

“I am once again delighted to be able to support ShruthiUk and the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival in bringing its wonderful Indian Classical Music & Dance to a wider audience and to celebrate bringing together musicians and dancers from all over the world to perform in Solihull.  My congratulations on your7th festival and I wish you all the best for a very successful celebration,”