I am privileged to have heard VS Raghavan Srinivasan perform on the mridangam in a series of 30 concerts presented in Evanston, Illinois, and it is my honor to enthusiastically recommend him as an exceptional musician and a sensitive and gifted educator. "Sai," as he invited the audience to call him, explained the characteristics of his southern Indian double drum and demonstrated his amazing talent through improvisation and accompaniment, along with musicians Saraswathi Ranganathan, veena artist, and Indranil Mallick, on tabla.

I have known Mr. Raghavan Vasudevan Srinivasan since 2002 when I, as a recipient of a 6-month American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) “Senior Performing Arts Fellowship”, was conducting research at the Sai Mirpuri College of Music. At that time, Mr. Raghavan Vasudevan Srinivasan was a student of mridangam at the college. As a student he stood out as an exceptionally gifted and creative artist, with a unique musical voice. Our paths crossed again in 2013-2015, when I was conducting research in Chennai as Fulbright Scholar. I heard Mr. Raghavan Vasudevan Srinivasan perform several times with leading artists during the Chennai Music Festival in December and January of those years. I was happy to hear how Mr. Raghavan Vasudevan Srinivasan had developed into a master percussionist, performing with top Carnatic artists. Mr. Raghavan Vasudevan Srinivasan eagerly introduced me to other top artists in the professional Carnatic music circles, aiding greatly in my Fulbright research.

I have known Raghavan since 2014. He is one of the most in demand artists for both traditional South Indian classical music, as well as Indian-jazz collaborations such as we have done. He is also an excellent teacher, and has made a great difference in the lives of his students. Always enthusiastic, he inspires all those he works with. I have heard Raghavan perform in concert with top Indian artists on numerous occasions. We have also performed concerts in the Boston area which included a number of my compositions based on Indian music and jazz. He interpreted my music brilliantly. We also have done two studio recording projects – one with a singer, and the other a compendium of fundamental South Indian rhythms. I am always impressed by Raghavan’s musical skills and positive attitude, and his supportiveness of the other musicians he works with.