I first met Nirmala Rajashekar nearly 20 years ago when she was suggested to me as an artist to be invited to perform at Columbus, Ohio. Since then, she has performed a number of times for Dhvani India Performing Arts Society of Central Ohio. She has also been a judge at our annual children’s music competition more than once. As a vainika and a concert musician, she has a distinct way of engaging with every member of the audience. As an empathetic judge, she is willing to talk to all the participating children and their parents with positive and helpful feedback.

One year, I asked if she and mridangam vidwan Tanjavur K. Murugaboopathi would play at two special needs schools in a nearby town. They both agreed. I have always found Nirmala enthusiastic and willing to share her experiences and music on all occasions, no matter how small or humble the venue. I remember that as we were travelling to the schools, she was having a detailed phone call with an organiser about a national veena festival to be held in Chicago. On the way back, she gave a phone interview to a public radio station about the veena. I recall thinking then, that more than a musician, Nirmala is a non-stop travelling ambassador promoting the veena. I was happy to learn she was the recipient of the K.S. Narayanaswamy Vaineeka Vidwan Award (2024) from Sri Shanmukhananda Sabha, Mumbai.