Dealing with Jayaraman as a composer and a teacher and covering also musicians in other branches of the late Lalgudi Gopala Iyer's family, there are sections presented in this issue as Part Three of the special feature on Lalgudi G. Jayaraman (21-32). This issue also carries a landmark essay on The Concept Of Raga (33-38). Written by Prof. S.K. Saxena of New Delhi, who is highly respected for his studies in the field of classical music and Kathak, it is an essay that draws fine distinctions in unfolding the concept of the raga which constitutes the unique basis of Indian classical music. A full comprehension of the subject may require more than one reading, but the effort should be worthwhile, to say the least. The front cover appropriately carries a reproduction of a ragamala painting.

Another article deserving of special attention is entitled Bharatanatyam: Its Relevance & Future (17-19). The views expressed by Srividya Natarajan , a youthful dancer, may be controversial, but they deserve to be examined, and endorsed or countered, by others who care for the future of Bharatanatyam. 

Sruti does not focus only on famous music and dance personalities. From time to time we draw attention also to the meritorious services of others who do not get into the limelight. In this issue, we do just that in the case of Mathur Shankara Murthy of Bangalore (39-40).

In the Book Shelf section, we offer reviews of two books on the musical' genre known as Thumri (41-44), while several cassette recordings are examined in the companion Record Rack section (45-47). Dr. Arudra writes further on the Varnam in his series on the Bharatanatyam format (48-50). Elsewhere you'll find A Guide To Prana written by Arudra again and notes on Awards To Artists from the pen of the Chief (TJ). The lead story in the News & Notes section is on a Bhakti Sangeet Samaroh. A SNA photo of the Ragi Brothers who took part in it appears on the back cover.