The magazine has the twin objectives of preserving tradition and encouraging innovation, something Sruti has assiduously pursued ever since.

For over three decades, Sruti has constantly practised what it preaches: adherence to high standards of authenticity, objectivity, sophisticated writing based on thorough research, and a healthy respect for individuals and institutions, balanced by an equally healthy irreverence towards holy cows. Sruti is not an academic journal, even though it carries scholarly and technical articles from time to time.

Sruti's several profiles of the leading exponents of music and dance have been pathbreaking in the annals of Indian journalism, as have been its special projects to document the teaching methodology and stylistic characteristics of leading schools of dance and music. It is a veritable treasure house of in-depth knowledge of the many centres of excellence which have served to propagate the classical arts of India.

Through interviews short and long, Sruti also gives much needed exposure to young artists as well as senior artists and gurus away from the limelight. Also featured are the many artisans like instrument makers and costumiers, for example, who quietly support the arts and artists from behind the scenes.