As one of the cultural ambassadors of India, Guru Kaaraikudi R.
Mani has dedicated over fifty years of his life to bringing Rhythm
to the forefront by promoting the role of Mridangam in South
Indian classical music. He has created an innovative style called the  
"Kaaraikudi R. Mani Bani". It has captured the interest of music
lovers, and has become the curriculum of other percussion  
institutions. His zeal to play the Mridangam started at the tender
age of eight. He received his training under Kaaraikudi Shri Rangu
Iyengar, Shri T. R. Harihara Sharma and Shri K. M. Vaidyanathan.
He became the Presidential award winner at the age of 18.

Sruthi Laya, a novel percussion ensemble, founded by Guru
Kaaraikudi Mani, has been giving performances all over the world.
Not only has he brought Mridangam to the forefront in south Indian
classical music, but has also collaborated with western and jazz
artists like Mr. Paul Grobowsky of Australia and Mr. Eero
Hameenniemi of Finland. When the Jazz trio Jamie Baum, Ken
Wessel and Jerome Harris visited Chennai on their Jazz
Ambassadors Tour (sponsored by the American Consulate), they
joined hands with Guru Kaaraikudi Mani and his ensemble on a
rendering of fusion –  a smooth blend of the lusty thumping of
Mani's Mridangam and the Trio’s melodious tunes which lulled
senses of the audience - The effect was incredible.

Guru Kaaraikudi R. Mani has over 1200 disciples spread out in all
parts of the world. He founded the Sruthi Laya Seva Trust, Sruthi
Laya Kendra and Sruthi Laya Kendra Natarajaalaya, to serve the
cause of music and musicians. This is the first of its kind to be run
by a percussionist. It has centers in Chennai, Mysore, Chalakudi,
Hyderabad, Australia, England and Germany - bringing Melody,
Rhythm and Dance together.

Guru Kaaraikudi R. Mani has been the pioneer in promoting
Mridangam as a main instrument on the stage, by successfully
presenting solo concerts. He has also played with all the leading
musicians of south India. He has developed a new dimension to
Rhythm in a visual form on stage through Bharatha Natyam.
Mani is still determined, with great enthusiasm, to promote the
value of Rhythm in music and the role of the Mridangam in Rhythm.
Guru
Kaaraikudi R. Mani