“My name is Ragamayee, and my mother gave me this name with the hope that I would be connected to music and she was right. She’s a Veena player herself, so music has been a part of my life from the very beginning. Her dream was for me to continue this tradition, and today, I’m grateful that I am.

Growing up, I was passionate about music, but life led me down a different path. I completed my master’s degree in Computer Science, worked in the U.S. as a software engineer for five years, and later became a lecturer. Even though I was busy with work, music always had a special place in my heart.

After some time, I realized that I wanted to return to music fully. I came back to India and decided to dedicate myself to playing the veena. Now, I train under Guru Jayalakshmi madam, a renowned Veena professor here in Hyderabad. Learning from her has been life-changing; she has helped me connect with traditional music on a much deeper level. Playing the veena feels like touching our roots- it speaks to my soul.

Balancing everyday responsibilities while pursuing music is no easy task, but when you truly love something, you make time for it. Playing the veena is not just about creating sound; it’s about connecting with something much bigger than myself. Unlike contemporary music, traditional Veena playing has this ancient, soulful quality – it’s passed down through generations. I hope to keep our culture alive, especially in a time when it risks being overshadowed by the digital boom. I think it’s important for the next generation to feel that connection, and I’d like to do my part in preserving it.”