IPMs Emerging Talents!

Meet Vijayan (Sairam) Ganapathiraman, a young Carnatic mridangam artist!

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We are proud to introduce today a young achiever who is traveling all the way to India for his Arangetram in Mridangam accompanied on stage by some of the most talented artists. The mridangam is a primary percussion instrument used in South Indian Carnatic music. It is an ancient, double-headed barrel drum carved from a single piece of heavy jackfruit wood. The drum heads are layered with goat or cow skin and a permanent tuning paste, producing a distinct and deeply resonant sound. 

Vijayan (Sairam) Ganapathiraman is a young Carnatic mridangam artist who began learning under the guidance of his father, Ganapathiraman Viswanathan, before formally commencing training in 2015. Since 2017, he has been a disciple of Kalaimamani.  Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan at the Sarvalaghu Percussion Art Center (SPAC). Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan garu is a well-known, extremely talented ParamaGuru. Under his guidance, Vijayan rose to the heights of Mridangam, winning many accolades and awards! He has also received formal vocal training from Chitraveena P. Ganesh, enriching his musical sensitivity as an accompanist.

Vijayan has performed extensively at prestigious festivals and concerts, including the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival and the Chennai Margazhi Music Season, 

Guru Samarpanam, Silicon Andhra, Lotus Silicon Valley, and numerous Bay Area music festivals. He has shared the stage with distinguished musicians and has accompanied both emerging and established Carnatic artists in solo, ensemble, and choral presentations.

Beyond performance, Vijayan is an active mentor and teaching assistant, guiding younger students in mridangam while supporting arangetrams and community music initiatives. A proud descendant of the 400-year-old Bhagavatha Mela tradition of Saliyamangalam, he remains deeply committed to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Carnatic music through performance, teaching, and service.