By Sri. Balaji Raman Swami
The Sri Ramanujar Society in has always been a beacon of culture, devotion, and sampradāya in Singapore. Yet among its many initiatives, certain events stand out like radiant jewels — events that gather people from all walks of life and offer them a glimpse of Swami Darshan, the art of living as taught by our acharyas, adapted beautifully for the modern world.
The Heart of the Event — “நான்கினும் கண்ணனுக்கே ஆமதுகாமம்”
When Sri Ramanujar, a sannyāsi, was once asked which among the four puruṣārthas was supreme, his answer stunned the world — “kāmaṁ.”
But this was not worldly desire; it was the deep, unshakeable love for Krishna.The love that melts, elevates, and liberates.
Yesterday’s grand event was woven entirely around this theme — sometimes explicitly, sometimes subtly — but always powerfully. Every segment nudged the heart toward bhakti, squeezing rasam from different directions, in different bhāvams, until the sweetness of devotion — like sugarcane juice — flowed effortlessly.
Some felt like singing,
some were drenched in the quality of the music,
some tapped the tālam,
some nodded in bliss,
some were moved to tears,
and a few — like adiyen — sat still like a rock, absorbing silently.
Just as in Srimad Ramayanam, where Rama’s arrow produced different experiences for each warrior, yesterday’s Rama gānam touched each heart differently, awakening inner happiness.
Three Hours That Felt Like Twenty Minutes
A packed three‑hour show — diverse in style, rich in rāgas, blended with creativity — yet not a moment felt repetitive. Even those with no musical background (like adiyen) remained fully absorbed. The secret was simple: bhāvam.
And most performers were under 30 — a testament to the grooming that began decades ago. (கிளரொளியிளமை கெடுவதன்முன்னம்)
Seeds sown in the early 2000s have now grown into a majestic banyan tree. Many of these artists were seen by adiyen as children; today’s excellence is no surprise. They were raised under one Sri Vaishnava roof, nourished by Azhwār’s milk and Ramanujar’s teachings.As sung beautifully:
முதல் தாய் சடகோபன் மொய்ம்பால் வளர்த்த இதத்தாய் இராமுனுசன்…
These youngsters have embraced Emperumānār’s path fully — and now carry his message across boundaries.
Modern Ariyar Sevai — Bharatanatyam with Bhakti
The Bharatanatyam segment was a revelation — an innovative choreography rooted in Ariyar Sevai, bringing Azhwār bhāvam alive through enactment.With Sri Ranganatha in the backdrop, the hall felt like Srirangam.
Three Andals graced the stage:
Sau Dipatha — speaking through posture, each movement aligned to every syllable of Thiruppāvai.
Sau Dhanya — her wide, expressive eyes radiated Krishna‑bhakti; her elegance touched the heart.
Smt Raji — she became a gopikā; her dance felt like a plea that compelled Krishna to appear.
Their coordination, training, and devotion were evident. Dancing while speaking — two difficult arts merged seamlessly. Their parents have kept the lamp of divinity lit in their hearts since childhood.
The Famous Five — A Delight Every Time
Sau Sneha, Sau Subhiksha, Chi Anutham — the trio who never miss a nama event, despite busy work schedules. Their dedication brings blessings that reflect in every aspect of their lives.Along with Sau Vasudha and Sau Samkya, they form the “Famous Five” — a group that consistently elevates every stage they step on.Sau Vasudha’s compering was brilliant — crisp, poetic, and pleasing.
A 10‑Minute Refresher — A Lesson from Emperumānār
Sau Arjitha’s talk was another highlight. Her blend of Tamil and English made the message accessible to all. She has a rare ability to convey Ramanujar’s teachings with clarity and structure. Having seen her from a young age, adiyen felt immense joy watching her command the stage.
Nama Sankirtanam — The Hall Echoed “Vitthala! Vitthala!”
The concluding nama sankirtanam created vibrations that lingered long after the event. The audience joined in, repeating “Vitthala, Vitthala,” like receiving akkara adisil twice — satisfying the longing for Krishna.
Sri Sudhir Swami’s divine words on śaraṇāgati, the core of Emperumānār sampradāyam, were powerful. His Sanskrit‑infused English was outstanding — a mark of a true scholar.
Sri Gokul Swami’s vote of thanks and the felicitation of Sri MK Swami and Smt Brinda Mami were heartwarming. MK Swami’s brief speech beautifully connected Sri Nāthamunigal’s contribution — reminding us that music and dance in sampradāyam exist today because of his blessings.
The Silent Kainkaryam — Photography as Tapas
Finally, Sri Balaji Praseedha — the photographer — performed his kainkaryam with the discipline of sandhyāvandanam. He captured every moment patiently, allowing us to relive the event again and again.
A Saturday Spent in the Right Direction
Surrounded by the right people, immersed in the right mood, and engaged in the right activities — the entire evening felt like a spiritual retreat. For two hours, everyone forgot their worries, their tasks, their phones, and simply lived in the present — for the happiness of Emperumān.
adiyen dasan
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