Precision and regimented training rang clear form the Veena as 17 year-old Sirisha gave her debut performance on June 21, 2003. Sirisha Durga Kovvali studies music from Durga Krishnan, the distinguished Veena teacher of the area. Sirisha demonstrates remarkable dexterity in playing the instrument. “She choose the songs herself,” says Durga. Among other songs, Sirisha played the Thyagaraja krithi “Endaro Mahanubhavulu” and the Annamacharya Krithi “Brahmam Okkate”. With Praveen Sitaram accompanying her on the Mridangam, her fingers seemed to glide over the strings of her Veena in effortless harmony.

Sirisha began her tutelage with Durga at age 10. Ever since, Durga is amazed at the effort she puts into her music. “She puts in more practice than most of my students”, Durga told me. She is a very talented young girl whose artistic aspirations match her academic ones. A graduate of the Westborough High school, Sirisha is off to College of Holy Cross in Worcester to attend the premedical program. As President of the Westborough School Cultural council,Indian culture plays a major role in her activities.

Q) What has been you motivation/inspiration to learn?
SK) Veena introduces a variety of challenges in a nonacademic sense.Often, the next song I learn will require the use of a new skill and thus a new challenge that I will overcome.It amazes me that each challenge that comes with a new lesson can eventually come together to create a beautiful composition of music.I love the challenge that comes with learning music.This is where most of my motivation comes from.

Q) What did (does) music teach you, or help you with?
SK) The veena helped me to get in touch with my culture and ethnicity. This music also teaches and helps spread an awareness and knowledge of the Indian culture in a creative sense, to the majority.Many of my peers, who are all involved in music, were able to listen to a new genre of music from halfway across the globe.Being President of Cultural Council in high school, I found it enjoyable and easy to spread knowledge of certain aspects of my culture through music, through the veena.Additionally, it has always helped me to relax and have fun, from the hustle and bustle of my daily life.

Q) What are your plans for the future? Both, in regards to music and otherwise.
SK)This fall, I will be at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA in the premedical program as a chemistry major.I will continue learning from Smt. Durga Krishnan, being so close to home, and introducing the veena at school as well.

It is heartening to see the young pursue art that is steeped in Indianness and wear it proud. In a society that struggles to keep its cultural identity, the children of Indian Americans should, like Sirisha, embrace our culture and present it positively to people from other cultures. We congratulate Sirisha on a wonderful performance and hope that she finds success in all her endeavors.

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