Yes, Mridangam playing is not just for "sogasu", but is also sokkajeyu Mridanga talamu ! Enthralling ! I say this with all pride having experienced a little of the immeasurable ocean of Laya & having befriended the divine instrument called the Mridangam. Nobody goes to concert to enjoy just sound however pleasing it may be. Creativity & aesthetic sense are a must for any music. A concert shouldprovide a mridangist a good opportunity to present his creativity & aesthetic sense. I have been saying for quite some time that to experience the magnificence of Layam, audience are yet to be educated. They cannot identify what is being played in a Thani as they identify a Raga or Krithi. The same Ragas or Krithis they have become familiar with for years are easily identified. As for the Laya section, theycan, at the most, say that the Mridangam had a good tonal quality, it was electrifying, vibrating, scintillating, etc. But they cannot realise the content. Only now Thani Avarthanam concerts are gaining ground. But it will take time to create a longing for a long Thani. The advocacy of short Thani is intended to keep the expectation of audience alive.

- Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani

Palghat Mani Iyer, who had great regard for the art and the instrument, encompasses his art in his own words : "If the instrument was not handled for a day, the conscience would tell. If it was for two days, the instrument would tell and if it was for three days, the audience would tell.

Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani says, Aathula Noooru thadava vasichu paatha thaaan, stagela Oru Vaatiayavathu Ozunga varum. Ithu, What I say once, consider it said hundred times maathiri Kedayaathu...