“I’m Rama Gamini—violinist, writer, and musician—born in Vijayawada into a family connected to the Vrinda Muktha lineage. We weren’t closely involved with it, but I feel that music was always part of me.
My journey started with my childhood guru, Sri Lanka Venkateshwar Rao Garu. When my mother introduced me to him, he said, “This child will become a violinist.” Those words stayed with me, and under his guidance, I began learning the violin.
But everything changed when I lost my father in a tragic accident. I was six. As the youngest of four, I saw my mother take on every responsibility. She had studied only till Class 10 and had no financial support, but she kept going.
Music had always been her passion too. She took a certificate course and started teaching music. Even if the fees were small, it helped. Later, with my uncle’s help, she learned typewriting, passed the exams, and started working as a typist. Her strength held us together.
During this time, my violin training had to stop. We moved, and continuing wasn’t possible. My dream of becoming a violinist felt like it was slipping away.
Years passed. I got married, had a son, and focused on family. But music stayed with me, quietly waiting.
Nearly two decades later, I decided to start again. I joined Bhakta Ramadas College in Hyderabad and completed a six-year diploma in violin under Sharada Chalam Garu. I’m grateful to my gurus—Sri Akella Mallikarjuna Sharma Garu and Sri Vaidyanathan BalaSubrahmaniyam Garu—for their support and guidance.
Along the way, I learnt sound engineering, explored composing, and set up a small studio. Projects like Chilkur Tejam, Bhagavad Gita with Telugu Poetry, Shivoham Bhaje, and Bharatheeyatha—performed in Connecticut for the Satsankalpa Foundation—are close to my heart.
Writing also became a space of expression. My novel Naa Teerpu won the Anil Award from Swathi. Stories like Karnam (CP Brown Academy), Dwaram (American Telugu Association), and Tudhi Vinnapam (Ugadi contest) also got recognition.
Today, I focus full-time on music and writing. I’m thankful for Sangeetam and Sahityam in my life, and for my family who stood by me.
To young people: Don’t chase fame or money. Be true to yourself. It’s never too late to follow what you love.”