"Music is so reflective, it makes me think" ….these words are actually so reflective and characteristic of Sudha herself! If she is not singing, she is constantly contemplating, and these thoughts go beyond her daily commitments to life and home..

One of the outputs of this thought process was the urge to give back some part of herself to society - of which she is an abundant beneficiary, weaving her magic wand of music, touching many lives across the globe.

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." …..Mother Teresa.

Having firmly decided that she must reach out to society at large, beyond her music, she pondered on a continued support system that would seek out to all those generous minded souls with a similar frame of mind. While she attempted at reaching out on various occasions, she was plagued by this constant worry of whether she was doing enough, and if it would make a difference at all, as opposed to the scores of needy, waiting to be helped.

That is when Mother Teresa's golden words greatly inspired her and reiterated in her that she must continue this fulfilling endeavor. After all, the measure of life is not its duration, but its donation. Thus the Samudhaaya Foundation was born in 1999, of which Sudha is the Managing Trustee. Also, Sudha herself has performed several benefit concerts for various organizations towards humanitarian causes.

The work so far……..

The Foundation first launched its activities in the month of July, 1999. It now covers a wide spectrum ranging from music to education and many other charitable causes.

The list below will convey a flavor of the identified beneficiaries.

• A contribution of Rs.10,000/- towards procuring of hearing aids for deaf children (Chennai). This was in 2003.
  
  
• A contribution of Rs.10,000/- towards sponsorship of prize money, in memory of her Guru, Dr.M.L.Vasanthakumari, for the music competition conducted by Kalasagaram, Hyderabad, in 2003.
  
  
• A contribution of Rs.10,000/- to support a project for disbursing free spectacles to 3,000 poor children. This was during her concert in Tenkasi on 15 October 2005, for the Lions Club of Kadayanallur.
  
  
• A contribution Rs.10,000/- towards 'Support of Tuberculosis' during her 'Diwali Concert' on 22 October 2005 for REACH, a NGO which works with the tuberculosis affected.

Apart from contributing to the causes, the Foundation has also instituted the 'Saadhana Award for Excellence', recognizing personalities who have done selfless and outstanding service to society and shine as examples in the paths that they have tread.

Some of the major projects that Samudhaaya Foundation has done over the years are listed below.

The recipients of the Saadhana Award for Excellence over the years are as below:
2002 - The Banyan (a home for the mentally destitute women)

Dr.V.V Srivatsa (renowned Musicologist)
2003 - Dr.B.Ramamurthi (leading Neuro Surgeon)
Smt. Sudha Murthy (eminent Social Worker and Writer)
Sri.K.Parasaran (Former Attorney General of India)

2006 -  Dr. V.Shantha, Chairman, The Cancer Institute (WIA), Adayar, Chennai

The spirit of sharing and of donation is conducted as a celebration during the Samudhaaya Day where there is a medley of activities ranging from music, dance, drama, oration, lectures, etc. All these are performed by the artists and speakers in the true spirit of service, offering themselves and their profession for the cause. This has been very successful and has brought about a feeling of oneness and unity among the artistes community, all towards a common 'cause'.

A snapshot of the activities of the last Samudhaaya Day is available for you to see in the link below