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Music Review: S. J. Jananiy & S. P. Balasubrahmanyam – “Oar Vidhaiyaai”

From The Compassion Project: Songs for Animal, Human, and Earth Justice Artists & Activists Records


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“Oar Vidhaiyaai” is a breathtaking and cinematic tribute to the natural world, voiced through the soulful lament of a tree. The song opens with ambient nature sounds—a gentle forestscape brought to life by birdsong—before being pierced by the harsh mechanical noise of deforestation. The juxtaposition is immediate and visceral: peace disturbed by human destruction. It's here that the voice of the legendary S. P. Balasubrahmanyam enters, deep and resonant, delivering a plea that echoes with spiritual urgency: “Hey Mankind, please don’t cut me.”

What follows is a masterclass in expressive composition and performance. The lyrics, written from the perspective of the tree, recount a life spent in quiet service—offering shade, fruit, honey, wood, and joy—only to face destruction at the hands of those it sustained. The metaphors are powerful and poetic: “I have lived my whole life standing still… I gave everything… and still you want to cut me.” This haunting refrain becomes a universal cry for environmental justice.

The composition, originally created by L. Vaidyanathan, is a rich blend of Carnatic classical and world music elements. Jananiy and Balasubrahmanyam alternate and eventually blend their voices in exquisite harmony. Jananiy’s tone is golden and angelic, while Balasubrahmanyam’s baritone adds profound gravity. Their vocal interplay elevates the message to sacred ground.

The instrumentation is as exceptional as the vocals. Flute, solo violin, bass guitar, and Indian percussion instruments (played by virtuosos like Naveen, V. S. Narasimhan, Keith Peters, and Sivamani) swirl together in a freeform style that’s both melodic and emotionally potent. Strings and percussion rise and fall like waves, echoing the plea of the tree. The rhythmic uplift never overshadows the spiritual and emotional weight of the song—it enhances it.

“Oar Vidhaiyaai” is a meditation, a protest, and a prayer. It transcends language and geography to touch the core of what it means to be in relationship with nature. It calls on listeners to see non-human life not as resources, but as beings—living, feeling, deserving of love and protection. This is not just a song; it’s an offering, and one of the most unique and spiritually resonant pieces on The Compassion Project.


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About the AlbumThe Compassion Project: Songs for Animal, Human, and Earth Justice is a genre-spanning compilation album by Artists & Activists Records, amplifying music that challenges injustice and inspires empathy. Each song invites reflection on our interconnectedness with all life—animal, human, and Earth.

About the LabelArtists & Activists Records is a mission-driven label based in Austin, Texas, supporting artists who use music as a force for good. Their work centers compassion, advocacy, and creative integrity.

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