Afternoons mostly turn into slumber in small Indian towns. Earlier this year, I was stationed in the temple town of Thiruveggapura, in tha Palakkad district of Kerala to document the festival and the life around the 3000 Year old Temple founded by the Adi Shankara himself. It was organised by the temple trust in association with ‘Sree Neelakantha Ayurveda Sasthra and Research Institute.’
I have already and passionately talked about it at many a places and have narrated my experiences to what living amongst the oldest temple community did to me. For the time being it made me feel like I was levitating on most days when I used to come back to my room in the night; this whole time there, the festival uplifted my sense of being. And Most of it I attribute to the music that I experienced and the culture of this beautiful Indian state of Kerala.
Traditional Storytellers retelling ancient tales in forms that have come down to them from their forefathers.
The “God’s own Country” has a long and rich music history. It is not the same as Malayalam poetry, although most of it is poetry driven said Mr. Menon. Kerala has a rich tradition in Carnatic music. Songs form a major part of the early Malayalam literature, which traces its origin to the 9th century CE. The significance of music in the culture of Kerala can be established just by the fact that in Malayalam language, musical poetry was developed long before Prose. With the development of music in the region, different branches were formed out of it, “and of course I had no idea about any of it until I met Advocate-Musician Harish Menon.
It all happened on one hot afternoon. The day when heat had pressed the masses to their home vaults and none could be seen outside. Suddenly, out of nowhere the sounds of Mridanga and Guitar started alluring me out of dormancy. From one, then a couple and soon a whole line of instruments joined in, warming up like players do before a big match. Is it really coming from downstairs? Perplexed! While In no time our ancient Kerala home started emitting ragas out of its old walls. That weary, indolent noon had suddenly transformed into hope of a delightful evening. I left my work, took my camera and came down to see a whole band of 10 or more people spread out, involved in practicing, enjoying, laughing, moving in and around this traditional Kerala house. It felt like a spectacle from behind the scene of a film. It also woke along with me all the workers and even the patients of “Asokalayam ” (where I stayed), peeking from their windows, and soon a few more arrived to bathe in the sounds of music this band ‘Raganeethi’ had started playing.
Upon enquiring, a Pandora’s box opened. It literally swooped me for what I learnt of their passion and service to the Music. I briefly spoke to Harish, who sat outside but seemed preoccupied as their performance was going to begin in couple of hours. He told me that the band has been performing all around India for over two decades and it is with pride that I can say, Harish said, “We probably are the only music band in India where each member of it is a practicing Lawyer.” The music we do is out of our love and service to what we owe to life. Like me, everybody here is passionate about music and it is music that has blessed us to continue what we love and along with what we can do to serve the society.
It struck me somewhere when I learnt that their real profession isn’t making music but an intense work like fighting legal cases for the masses; I was dumbstruck and my respect swelled like a balloon for the people who were playing in front of me. And it was then I realised the meaning behind their band’s name Raganeethi.
I decided that one interview is the least I can do to promote the band here on the ‘Road To Nara’. As time didn’t allow me then to speak with Harish that day, we decided to take this conversation further. I wanted to know about their journey of how they see themselves as; Musicians who are Lawyers or Lawyers who are musicians? And an interview-cum-conversation with him or all other core members of the group together was decided on zoom call.
Here, sharing the interview of their journey, of one of its kind Music band that over last two decades has made its mark on the world stage and mind you, comprising of only lawyers.
Please welcome, Raganeethi
1. What is the story behind the name and meaning of the band?
As you know, the band members being lawyers by profession wanted the name of the band to have a legal connotation. Raga means the ‘scale of music’ in sanskrit and Neeti means justice. So the name means doing justice to music.
2. How did it all start? How many members make this band? Has there been a band style of playing music?
A group of lawyers, practicing at the Kerala High Court, wanted to fill their lives with music and harmony. Thus, in 2004, they formed a music band, ‘Raganeethi’, headed by K.T. Shyam Kumar, who plays the keyboard.
The band consists of artists who play varied musical instruments. Singers join depending on the genre of the program being performed.
The band consists of members who have learned classical music as well as members who have learned contemporary music. So depending on the genre, we perform shows that have fusion based music or contemporary film music.
The main members of the band are Adv. K.T.Shyam Kumar and Adv. Danik Antony who play the keyboards, Adv. George Johnson and Adv. Sunil Dutt on the guitars, Adv. Harish Menon on ethnic percussion and Adv. Manoj Chandran on electronic rhythm composer.
The main singers are Adv. Satheesh P.M., Adv. Vipindas T.K., Adv. Jai Geroge, Adv. Karol Alenchery, Adv. Sreenath V., Adv. Sabitha, Adv. Neethumol, Adv. Simi Renjith.
3. Not everyday one hear Advocates coming together for something as universal as music. What is the story ? How long have you been performing?
The founding members were performing professional artists during their college years. After joining the legal profession they had stopped performing in shows due to their official commitments. Chance meetings among them created the idea of having a band of their own within the fraternity. The idea was taken forward by the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association, which hosted the inaugural show of the band in the year 2004. The band has been performing for the past 19 years now. New members were added thereafter during the passing years.
4. How did you meet and decide to play music together?
During the annual day celebrations of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association some of the artists noted that the new members to the profession were adept in playing musical instruments. Many efforts were made by Adv. Renjith T.R. one of the executive committee members of the then Association to bring together those artists. And that paved the way to the creation of the band.
5. Please tell us about your life before you started playing together?
Prior to becoming lawyers, many of the members of the band have performed in other bands while they were in colleges. After entering the legal profession they stopped playing music as their professional commitments would not permit them to find time for it. In fact, many had decided to stop playing music owing to paucity of time and for other reasons. They had given up their wish to muster their musical talent once and for all, as the legal profession does not permit them to perform for remuneration.
The forming of the band rekindled their dormant wish to play music again without affecting their professional commitments as all were from the same fraternity. Unlike today, there were no social media platforms to showcase talents during the period when the band was formed. The band gave them a new opportunity to showcase their talents.
6. What do you think makes your band unique than the ones in India or anywhere?
To our knowledge no other association of lawyer community in India or abroad have a band consisting of only lawyers. There may be singers and instrumentalists in many other professions who can perform live with professional finesse along with other established musicians. But a musical band consisting of members, also practicing the same profession, is unique. That makes the band unique.
7. How would you like to call yourself? Lawyers who are musicians or Musicians who are lawyers?
Lawyers who are musicians as the legal profession is our vocation and music is our avocation. However, we are aware that music is a gifted art which everyone cannot assimilate.
8. How does being lawyer help you in your music or how is being a musician helps you in being a lawyer?
Being a lawyer may not help us in our music as these are totally different vocations. However, being a musician has helped us being a lawyer. Years of experience in performing on stages have inculcated in us a confidence to face the audience. The performance of a litigating lawyer in a court of law is also watched by a group of people including the judge. Here the experience of performing on stage has helped us to perform in court halls.
9. Is it hard to become lawyers again the next day after a performance?
Certainly yes, the band undertakes performances usually during the weekends or during court vacations to avoid any professional hiccups.
10. How have you balanced your work as a lawyer and your passion as a musician?
Regular listening to music has kept us in tune with the changing trends in music. Over the past 19 years, electronic instruments and computer programming of music has become prevalent. It is only on account of passion to music that despite being lawyers, the band members could keep up with the changing trends in music. The members have always found time to be abreast with the changes despite their busy schedules. For this family of the band members have sacrificed much to make us devote our free time to pursue our passion.
11. Any life mantra from your Law life that you apply in music or vice versa?
Music is all about timing. The correct note or beat at the correct place is what makes music. The sense of timing, which a musician inculcates, has helped us in the legal profession. Nothing vice versa for sure.
12. Is there any memorable show, tour or venue? Can you share any memorable instance?
The band has performed in many stages within the fraternity and outside. All leading playback singers of the Malayalam music industry including Vijay Yesudas, Devanand, Ragesh Brahmanandan, Sithara, Jyothsna etc. have performed with the band in shows. The band had performed for the Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the High Court of Kerala. The Band has been regularly performing for the annual day celebrations of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association. The members of Band have performed independently with the stalwarts in the music industry like Yesudas and Jayachandran.
13. Is there any album out of the band?
The band has not published any album. However, the individual members have published albums of their own.
14. What was the most difficult obstacle your band has ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Not having adequate gears for performance was a major issue during the initial years. The band later purchased synthesizers and electronic rhythm machines with the financial help of senior lawyers in the profession who were very fond of the band. The band could overcome these obstacles in a phased manner.
15. How do you see yourself when compared to other bands?
Compared to other bands, Raganeethi is unique as none of its members are professional musicians. The members of the band are actively practicing lawyers who have found time to join together.
16. What is the best advice you got from another musician?
Never lose your passion for music.
Some members of Raganeethi band had not performed music for over a decade before the band was formed. However, the formation of the band has helped them to rekindle their talents and that has helped them become abreast to the changing trends in music.
17. Today bands are out of style or even almost extinct. What makes you stick together?
Sheer passion for music has helped the band members to stick together. The happiness a musician derives from a performance is immense and this makes them crave for more.
18. For you which qualities make a great music band? What do you think about the current state of the music industry?
The ability to play all genres of music is one quality, which makes a music band unique. Adapting to different styles of music is very important for a music band to stay relevant during the passing years. Raganeethi has adapted to the changing trends of music over the past 19 years and that is one facet that kept the band relevant.
Independent music is emerging as a force to reckon. Film music, which ruled for decades, is now becoming irrelevant owing to changing times.
19. What advice would you give to new bands starting?
There should be something unique in every band to stay relevant.
20. Are there still anything that you desire as musicians or as a band?
Raganeethi would wish to bring out independent music albums. The only obstacle is that it requires substantial amount of time and resources, as all the members are litigating lawyers.
21. How do you see yourself as a band in next 10 years?
The band is looking forward for a generation change. The major players have been performing for the past 19 years. Hopefully, a new crop of lawyers who can play good music can take the band forward.
22. According to you how have the audiences change over the years who used to come to hear the music today?
The present crop of audience is more interested in fast music. Earlier, vintage film songs were much appreciated.
23. Please feel free to send a message to anyone who is out there reading you today.
Whatever be your profession, if you have a passion for music, follow it.
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Thank you
As told to Manuela Böhme and Narayan Kaudinya
Photos and Text : Narayan Kaudinya and Raganeethi Music Archive
If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste
“If you enjoyed the post please let us know, share your experience in the comments section and Do subscribe for many such hidden stories of passion and valour from India and around the World.”
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You might also like to know about My Little School Project.
If you wish to come over for a visit someday, that you must, you will be heartily welcome here
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I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly;
As a co-traveller, will take you through the Ten Lessons I learnt from several years on the road, before you course on your own Road to Nara.
Also read: 9 Most Read Stories from Road To Nara in 2022
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If you have anything to share, or feel like saying a hello, please feel free to write to me at narayankaudinya@gmail.com
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ROAD TO NARA 
Great, fascinating interview. There are so many noteworthy insights, such as this one: “However, being a musician has helped us being a lawyer. Years of experience in performing on stages have inculcated in us a confidence to face the audience.”
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It certainly was, Neil. And thank you for mentioning, sharing your thoughts as it helped me assess something which might help me in sharing work further. Thank you.
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Really enjoyed this. If I had any musical talent, being in a band like this one would have perhaps prolonged my brief career — if only for just a bit. 🙂
This called to mind a wonderful movie called Quartet that now I must watch again!
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Hey Suzzane, thank you for this thought filled, caring comment.
I will now look up on ‘Quartet’.
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Also, i wanted to mention- I love your blog’s theme. So simple and may be thus so inviting
🙂
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Thank you!
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Dear Narayan, this is wonderful. I am fascinated by this story, your words & theirs, the photos & the brilliant colours! Now! Where to hear the music? 🎹🎵 🙏
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Dear Ashley, thank you. Your comment yesterday made my evening. And like you i was after the members if anyone could send me a link so that I can share.
I will certainly update whenever that happens. Thank you again for expressing.
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Narayan, I look forward to listening. In the meantime, thank you for teaching us about this wonderful band and blessings on this auspicious day 🙏🙏🙏
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Oh dear Ashley you touched something in me. And you know about it, about today! It is the most auspicious, yes. The day for all the teachers/Gurus in our lives 🙏 In joy and in awe of how you are carrying some special things with in you.
You are here. Not at all far 🙂 🙏
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This much-awaited follow-up of the previous rapport from Narayan’s visit to
the beautiful southern state of Kerala at the temple town of Thiruveggapura,
where the temple he was filming is 3000 years old, and the traditions are rich, being connected to the 9th century CE, is not only fascinating but brings more
explanation of the great and lasting impression the visit imprinted on him.
It was the meeting of the unique in the whole world band of musicians who are all practicing lawyers.
Their performance made him wish that the world should know about the band, hence this excellent interview. Even the band’s name, Raganeethi, translated as ‘doing justice to music’ attracts attention. The history, the motivation, and the plans for the future of the band read like a script of a film. and it should attract the attention of the film industry as it would make a superb film.
Thank you, Narayan, for the introduction to RAGANEETHI, and the photos that added to the greatness of this post.
Joanna
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Dearest Nature, thank you for such an invigorating comment. It reassured my faith, it will help me in bringing more such inspiring stories.
And you are right their story is a perfect foundation for a film. I hope the band members read your lovely comment and take notice of it.
Thank you so much 💗
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You are more than welcome.
Joanna
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PS. Do you remember the Polish/Indian film production company which were filming the story of the Maharaja?
They might be interested in the history of this unique band.
Joanna
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Of course Dearest, one of the three best posts of naturetails. I shall share this thought with them 🙂
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Thank you! They are very likable
men and excellent musicians!
Joanna
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Thank you Joanna. I will write soon.
And a Pious and most beautiful Guru Poornima day to you 🙏:-)
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Please do, and
Happy Guru Purnima!
Joanna
PS. Why is the spelling of Purnima so different? I followed KK and Debasis
spelling…
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Than you so much, Narayan, for introducing your readers to such a unique band. I hope that someday I get a chance to see their live performance.
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Ranjana, thank you for a beautiful comment. I will certainly update if the band keeps me in the loop. May I know where are you based?
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Very far from Kerala. I live in Delhi.
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That is very much near where these words get published from.
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This is wonderful. Thank you! This is why I paint. “The music we do is out of our love and service to what we owe to life.”
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Ah! Martha such an uplifting comment. You kind of made my day because I was apprehensive at first, how readers will take an interview like this. I am glad and you made me smile. Thank you. 💗
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What an interesting story based on being in the right place at the right time. I would love to hear their music which I am sure must be quite special.
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Caro, yes. I thought so too. It was different and motivating. Likewise, i asked the members if they can share any link. I will certainly update.
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And Thanks Caro 💗
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What a great post Nara. Love the band. How much fun is this post.. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience! 💗
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Cindy, thank you. 💗
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You’re so very welcome dear Nara!💗💗
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💗💗
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I enjoyed this story – lawyers with a passion for music makes for a great combination of talents and skills.
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Thanks much Gma. I as much enjoyed speaking with them and thought it will be kind of different and motivating. Thank you.
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Much respect for Raganeethi! Art is life. They understand.
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Yes dear Crystal, much respect. Thank you for for the kindest words.
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Fantastic article💖. Thanks Narayan for sharing this beautiful piece of information
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A pleasure Dr. Venky.
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Music is an important part of life, all types of music. These lawyers must be far more rounded characters having the joy of playing to balance their lives.
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Thank you for commenting in kind.
Well, the lawyers definitely were very determined. And they must be when you look at the profession and their chair where they practise.
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This was such an interesting story. I certainly never would’ve pictured a group of lawyers being good musicians but they seem amazing and I’d love to listen to them play live. Also I love the way you describe where you live and the temple. It sounds like such an amazing place to be.
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So long after I get to hear from you and even long after only you posted on your blog.
Well yes that is why it made the article a refreshing and honest read. Lovely to have you here. And your humblest presence.
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Yes, it’s been a while. I had to clean up my life before I could come back but I’m doing better and I’m back now 😊 Thank you, I really enjoyed reading this.
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What a beautiful story Narayan. Thank you very much, and as musician I enjoyed it twice ! 🙂 I love your country, music and dances and it’s my pleasure to share with you all this space-time. Namastè my friend. Mary
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Namaste dear Mary, apologies for writing late. Delhi, my base place has been under floods, came after almost half a century.
I am in joy to receive such an humble comment. I feel you have been to India to know it closely, have you?
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oh sorry for climate issues…hope you’re well…i really enjoyed your post.. yes, ! I know so much about your country (music,art,people,philosophy, dance, ,etc)…maybe a past life ?…hahaha..always in my heart. Namastè my friend, you are very welcome. keep safe.:) Here in Italy I have the honour to know and play with musicians from your country (many years ago).
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Thank you Mary, if you have enjoyed it already without ever coming to this cosmic chaos, i request you to plan it. I already know someone close in Itlay who lived and wandered in India for many years now teaching Yoga there.
You are heartily invited.
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Very neat! I honestly do not know if anything in our country is thousands of years old besides paintings on stones. But, the natives lived in such a way that nothing was permanent, biodegradable, if you will: )
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Dawn, so long after I hear from you. Made me happy. Hope you and my friends there around you are well.
You say it right. nothing actually is. May be apart from plastic and poly bags !!
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Thank you for the warm greeting. We’ve been quite busy. Also, our email is not notifying us of our friends’ new posts. I haven’t found the time to address this issue. Our apologies for being away.
We are well. Hope you, family, & friends are too.
And you said that right… those “plastic and poly bags” (da** shame).
I admire the teepee life, but must admit, I’m conditioned to be spoiled until I (many of us) may one day have to figure out how to build a teepee or cave dwelling. : ) Best hopes to you from Murph & me.
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🙂 you both have your own deep diving time. Cave dwelling video was great. Thank you.
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Thank you, Narayan ji, for introducing this amazing band! Pictures are superb. I was expecting to see their performance too.
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Kaushal Ji thank you, similarly I conveyed this to the band staff and I hope they give me a link or video, i shall share whenever it happens.
Thank you for your acknowledgement.
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India, often referred to as the “land of festivals,” is a diverse and culturally rich country that boasts a treasure trove of celebrations and traditions. Indian festivals are not only marked by religious significance but also by a deep cultural and social attachment. Some festivals are celebrated throughout the nation, while others are concentrated in specific states and communities, making them exclusive to their respective regions and people.
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