Amruthavarshini had its humble beginnings due the passion and sincerity of a few students who wished to maintain their links with music in spite of discontinuing their tutelage under their gurus on entering college. Besides, despite the presence of a Music Troupe representing the institution, it was found that the interests of hardcore Carnatic enthusiasts weren't being catered to. Nor were they being provided opportunities to hone their skills, display their talents or share their knowledge. There was an unsaid need to integrate the interests of people, students and staff members alike, who enjoyed Carnatic music.Under such circumstances, with the assistance of Sri A.R.Ganesan, a former Assistant Professor in the Physics Department of NIT, Trichy, the idea of conducting a Thyagaraja Aradhana along the lines of the one at Tiruvaiyaru was conceived. Contributions poured forth and the programme, held in early 2006 was successful beyond all expectations. It was well-received not only by people within the institute but also the singers from Srirangam who were invited to the same. This led to the idea of having a full-fledged club dedicated solely to Carnatic music. Thus was born Amruthavarshini, NIT, Trichy's very own Carnatic Music Club.
The name of the club also, was decided upon subsequent to significant deliberation. It is indeed appropriate for, besides reminding us of the eponymous rAga that is reputed to bring rains, it conveys the meaning of pouring nectar; the sweet nectar of divine music on the landscape of NIT, Trichy. As is the case with most clubs, inductions began to be conducted from the next academic year and what began as a group of five or six individuals is now an organisation boasting of a membership of more than 70, staff included. Not just vocalists but instrumentalists covering the whole gamut, from violin to mandolin to mridangam and even whistling(!!), are now members. Some of our members continue to pursue music under illustrious gurus whenever possible.
Although the Thyagaraja Aradhana is our signature event, we have moved on to conducting presentations in memory of Papanasam Sivan, showcasing the talents of our budding singers during the Navaratri festival in the temple inside our campus etc. Essentially, we are trying to broaden our spectrum of activity while keeping in tune with changing times. Our greatest satisfaction lies in giving a concrete form to any enthusiasm towards Carnatic music that our students might have and nurturing it through a spirit of paricipation and inclusiveness. More importantly, the club is a medium to ensure any earlier associations with Carnatic music that disapppeared over the years or were on the wane are rejuvenated or sustained and new ones are forged. Under the able guidance of our staff advisor Dr. N. Sulochana, and with all your blessings, we hope to take Carnatic music even further within the campus and outside it as well. We invoke the grace of the Almighty and the Trinity in fulfilling our responsibilities as a club and rendering service in whatever small way we can to the preservation and growth of the edifice that is Carnatic music.
We are grateful to our beloved director, Dr. M. Chidambaram, for providing immense support in all our endeavours. We also thank our staff members for providing help, to name a few, Dr. Hemalatha Thyagarajan, Dr. A. Ramkalyan, Dr. K. Viswanathan Iyer, Dr. Raman Sankaranarayanan, and Dr. C. Nagamani. We also express our sincere thanks to everyone who has helped us in one way or another.