The Strength of Mathematics and Music

For 25 years, I resided on the beautiful campus of IIT Madras, thanks to my father, Professor L.V.K.V Sarma, a renowned mathematics professor. The academic and serene environment provided the ideal setting for my personal and professional growth. During my time there, I had the privilege of interacting with distinguished individuals from various fields, including science, technology, and the film industry. These encounters ignited a spark within me and motivated me to embark on a new career path.

Music has always been my passion, and I sought to simplify the learning process and make it more accessible. Although I lacked formal training, I was blessed with an innate understanding of music from a young age. I desired to share our rich musical culture with the public, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate, learn, practice, and even compose music themselves. I utilised patterns and knowledge that I gained from my mathematical background to design the Music Chakra, also known as the ?r? Saraswathi 72 Melakarta Chakra. This innovative tool helps individuals comprehend the intricate structure of various music genres, such as Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western music, making their musical journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.

During my career transition, I had the privilege of meeting and sharing my work with legendary figures in the classical and film music industry. Icons such as Dr M. Balamuralikrishna, to whom I dedicated the Music Chakra, and Dr S.P. Balasubramanyam, who carried the Chakra wherever he went, including recordings, showed immense appreciation for my efforts. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with eminent musicians like Dr K.J. Yesudas, Maestro Illayaraja, Dr Kamal Hassan, and others, further inspired me on my new path.

Prince Rama Varma of Travancore played a crucial role in introducing the Music Chakra to audiences in India and abroad. Moreover, I discovered that the Music Chakra possesses potential for music therapy, as it can help, to some extent, in aiding the treatment of special children.

As a musicologist, I conduct lecture demonstrations and workshops, guiding individuals on what to play, how to play, and why to play music. The funds generated from the sales of the Music Chakra and the fees collected through these sessions allow me to support orphans and residents of elderly homes through my personal initiative called FACES (Food, Aid, Clothing, Education, Shelter). While not an NGO, FACES aims to provide essential support to those in need.

My college education laid the foundation and served as a brain bank for the creative application and out-of-the-box thinking that has become the backbone of my progress today. IIT Madras provided me with the freedom to explore beyond my comfort zone, nurturing my thirst for knowledge and enabling me to pursue my true passion.

Lellapalli Seshachala Ramesh currently works as a musicologist and an ISO-certified Quality Management Professional Lead Auditor. He also runs FACES 108, a charity for underprivileged children, along with his wife. He has previously worked at Cognizant Technologies as a lead auditor. Ramesh also holds an MSc in mathematics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.