Aruna Sairam (Padma Shri) is a Carnatic vocalist, composer, collaborator, humanitarian, and speaker. In addition to her performances in India, Aruna has taken Carnatic music to the global arena, at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall. Currently Vice Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Delhi, she was appointed in 2008 by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu as Advisor to the Department of Culture. Aruna works towards the musical education of underprivileged students, through the Nadayogam Trust, which she founded in 2011. Aruna is grateful for the training she received under her mother Rajalakshmi Sethuraman and the legendary T. Brinda, and the mentorship from several masters throughout her musical journey. Her music erased geographic borders in several ways - both nationally and internationally. She was the first to incorporate Abhang (a west Indian musical form) in its authentic style into a traditional South Indian concert.