Born and brought up in a mofussil town (Tiruchi), my association with the Academy developed through my uncle, the late M.R. Narayanaswami, a connoisseur of music and practising lawyer settled in Madras, from the forties of the last century. He was closely associated with the Academy for a long period, till his demise in 1993. He served in the committee for more than 25 years and was a trustee for two terms. There was considerable interest in music in our joint family, particularly on my mother’s side. My interest was cultivated through the family atmosphere, and the music coaching arranged for my aunt (in violin) and for my elder sister (in vocal).