He is a web designer by profession. But his passion for saving the traditional Tamil musical instruments from dying prompted him to open a music store that sources and sells various traditional music instruments like Parai, Urumkkai, Pambaii, Thudumbu, Udukkai, Pambai, Kombu and Modda mathalam.

Coimbatore-based 24-year-old Shakti V is also formally trained in playing the Parai.

Nimirvu Musical Core was born in Singanallur in 2011. His store has customers who are a mix of local and national and some of his customers are Tamils who reside in the U.S. and France too.

Finding the right place to source such traditional Tamil music instruments in Tamil Nadu is a big challenge. Several people who are interested in learning the art of playing such instruments of the by-gone era are unable to find the right place to purchase them, despite having the desire to own and play one. After several failed attempts, they give up.

The desire to save traditional Tamil instruments from becoming obsolete and helping people own one has prompted Shakti to start the store. He purchases the instruments directly from the manufacturer and sells them to clients who wish to purchase them.

“I did a lot of research about each of the music instruments and I also have a database of information as to where to purchase each of the musical instruments. Once I receive a request from a client, I contact the source with the requirement. Upon receiving the full amount in my bank account, the music instrument is purchased from the source and shipped to the client’s address,” Shakti says.

Nimirvu Musical Core also takes orders through their Facebook page and over phone. Local customers can visit the store and make their purchase.

Motivated by the response that Shakti has received, he has plans of opening branches of the store in Chennai and Tiruchi as a majority of his customers are from these regions. Also on the cards is setting up a virtual store that will allow customers to make their purchase and payment online.

Shakti also has offers to train those who wish to learn to play the Parai. He hosts classes in Perur on Sundays between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For registration contact Shakti on 96592-77222.