Humility is the hallmark of Chennai’s achievers, says pianist and educator Anil Srinivasan

The greatest thing about Chennai, which deserves celebration, is it is real. You will find people creating phenomenal ideas and products for the world, yet they remain grounded, standing beside you in a queue or sitting next to you on public transport. Humility is the hallmark of Chennai’s achievers. It keeps us focused on what matters, rather than the flash, says pianist and educator Anil Srinivasan.

Chennai has allowed me to take a piano into a Sabha. For all the conservatism that people think the city is about, Chennai has actually been deeply open. It takes its time to make up its mind, but once it does, it gives you its heart.

The city’s ecosystem allowed me to wear multiple hats. Our music scene here ranges from urban Gaana and Carnatic classical to independent music. Alongside accomplished music composers, we have extraordinary music producers, engineers, and technicians rooted here.

And in education, Chennai has been the home of multiple thought leaders, who have changed the face of Indian education.

Art integration has been a part and parcel of our culture. For example, pulli kolam is both mathematical and creative, bringing art and science together. From the urban folk scene, which unites the community through art, to textile traditions here, they are some of the beautiful examples of art integration which need to be celebrated.

(as told to Sahana Mira S.)