Musician :

As a musician, he has presented concerts at the prestigious Music Academy, Tyagaraja Aradhana in Thiruvaiyaru, All India Radio and other Sabhas. A percussionist, he learnt to play the Mridangam from Palani Subramania Pillai, and is presently learning from Karaikudi Mani. He plays the Kanjira and is an expert in Konnakkol (spelt Konakol of Konnakol). (Konnakkol is normally an oral accompanyment to Carnatic concerts and a Konnakkol artist, recites a particular kind of rhythmic pattern like that of the Mridangist (drummer)). In recognition of this talent, he has been awarded the Kalaimamani award by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his contributions to the art of Konnakkol. He is the secretary of a music Sabha called Sri Bhairavi Gana Sabha in Chennai. The sabha has been organising concerts of musicians like S. P. Balasubramaniam, O.S. Arun, Aruna Sayeeram and presented awards to Sabha secretaries, musicians and dancers.

Having a law degree to his credit and belonging to a family of judges (he is great grandson of H Ramakrishna Iyer, Judge at the Travancore High Court, his father R. Harihara Iyer retired as a District and Sessions Judge), H Ramakrishnan practices as an advocate at the Madras High Court. He has experience starting and running industries like mineral water plants and milk processing plants and offers consultancy services. A writer and an avid reader, he has written a couple of books on the Hindu religion. He has also contributed to the columns of The Hindu, Indian Express, Dinamani, Kalki, Tuglaq. He is married to Vasanthaa and has four children.

Photo:

Top – H Ramakrishnan and his daughter Priyadarsini perform at Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha's centenary year celebrations. Music Critic Subbudu is seen accompanying them on the keyboard.

Bottom – H. Ramakrishnan playing the Mridangam.