Mid-Day Sunshine story | World Drummers’ Day: Dr Seetharaman Iyer’s journey of resilience and rhythm

Updated On: 04 April, 2026 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar

Doctor-percussionist Seetharaman Iyer turns adversity into strength, heals minds while keeping the beat alive

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Dr Seetharaman Iyer with his guru, Padma Vibhushan Umayalpuram K Sivaraman (left), and his parents, Venugopalan and Seethalakshmi. Pics/By Special Arrangement

On World Drummers’ Day, celebrated annually to honour percussionists across the globe, the journey of Dr Seetharaman Iyer stands as a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering passion. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition, he lost his vision at the age of 25. What could have ended aspirations, strengthened his resolve to continue his medical career and his love for music.

Dr Seetharaman Iyer during a mridangam performance