Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) are spreading across the world with much fondness.

Classical music is an important aspect of IKS. There have been a few stalwarts who represented the pristine purity of the knowledge they transmitted through their work. Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr. Nedunuri Krishnamurthy was one such, who additionally had a specialty of making his classical music, current to the modern youth aficionado in the field of Carnatic music.

Interestingly enough, two lovers of Carnatic music, steeped into modern science throughout their career scribed the autobiography of Nedunuri in as rich terms they could make. This turned out to be a joy cum educative endeavor. Read and enjoy.

Classical music is finding wide audiences, thanks to spread of education and technology. By sharp contrast, a few decades ago, classical art forms could not easily percolate to wider sections of society. There was always a lurking worry that classical music might thin down its takers as well as richness. Belying this worry, a few classical musicians stood as link between past richness and the modern era. Dr. Nedunuri Krishnamurthy has been prominent among such vidwans. He held on to classicism with unusual vehemence, but could reach out to the modern educated youth.

We the scribes had the fortune of being closely associated with this doyen Dr. Nedunuri. We felt like penning down something of his life story and some trickles from the fund of his knowledge to reach out to posterity. We initially got anchored to the book 'Nadayogi' (Sri Nedunuri's autobiography in Telugu') published with efforts of a scientist-connoisseur Prof. Perala Balamurali Krishna. One of us (Narayan) translated Telugu autobiography into English.

In order to add much to this content, we availed of a week- long visit of Dr. Nedunuri to Mumbai. We have audio-recorded the long sessions of discussions, eliciting rich and elaborate content from the master himself. Transcription of these recordings has provided substantial content.

Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sri Nedunuri Krishnamurthy was among the best musicians that Carnatic music has produced. He stayed as a top-ranking performing artist for six decades.

I listened for the first time to Sri Nedunuri in the 50's and have continued to listen to him. Sri Nedunuri's style has been unique in many respects.

There are some specialties to Sri Nedunuri's music. First, his classicism; he maintained the charm and classicism together. I am aware of three generations of admirers, starting with mine who thronged to listen to his concerts. His refinement is well-known in the world of music. It was a treat to listen to his krithis. Whatever he sang, he sang with rich raga-bhavam.

Many vidwans have imbibed some or other aspects of Sri Nedunuri's music. I myself have adopted some of his refinements into my music and passed them on to my disciples.