TM Krishna’s Sangita Kalanidhi Award;Controversy swirls around the Music Academy’s choice to confer the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi award upon TM Krishna, sparking widespread debate within the music community. Renowned musicians have openly criticized the decision, raising questions about the criteria and process behind the selection.
TM Krishna Honored with the 2024 Sangita Kalanidhi Award
Carnatic maestro Thodur Madabusi Krishna, renowned as TM Krishna, was honored with the Sangita Kalanidhi 2024 by the Music Academy, Chennai, on March 18. N Murali, President of the Madras Music Academy, lauded Krishna for his “powerful voice,” commitment to tradition, and his inclination towards innovative explorations in music. Moreover, Krishna’s use of music as a catalyst for social change was acknowledged. However, controversy now surrounds the award, particularly within the Carnatic music community. Several prominent musicians have criticized the Music Academy’s decision, even withdrawing from the prestigious December music season in protest. This contentious move has ignited debates about the criteria for such honors and the evolving landscape of Carnatic music.
Thodur Madabusi Krishna: Carnatic musician, activist, writer, Ramon Magsaysay awardee. Trained by Bhagavathula Seetharama Sharma, Chingleput Ranganathan, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Performing since age 12. Renowned for music and activism against caste bias in Carnatic music.
What is his activism about?
TM Krishna, a prominent Carnatic musician, boycotted the Chennai Music Season, citing its non-inclusive nature towards non-Brahmin musicians and certain art forms. Instead, he initiated festivals like the Uroor-Olcott Kuppam Marghazi Vizha and Svanubhava, aiming to bridge social divisions and promote diverse art forms. A follower of Periyar, he composed “Sindikka Chonnavar Periyar: Song on Periyar,” advocating against caste discrimination and injustice. Periyar’s values resonate in Krishna’s work, challenging traditional norms and advocating for social equality.
What are some of the controversial statements TM Krishna has made?
In 2017, TM Krishna sparked controversy by questioning the portrayal of MS Subbulakshmi and her adaptation to societal expectations. In 2018, OS Arun faced backlash over a concert with non-Hindu themes, prompting Krishna to defend inclusivity in Carnatic music. He further criticized the revered Saint Thyagaraja for compositions reflecting caste and gender bias, suggesting their relevance has diminished over time.
The recent controversy swirling around the Music Academy’s decision to confer the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi award upon TM Krishna has ignited a firestorm within the Carnatic music community. At the heart of the debate lies not only Krishna’s musical prowess but also his unabashed commitment to social activism and his alignment with the ideologies of Periyar.
A significant faction of Carnatic musicians has vehemently opposed the Music Academy’s choice, going as far as threatening to boycott the esteemed December music season in Chennai. Among the dissenters is renowned Harikatha exponent Dushyanth Sridhar, who took to social media to express his reservations. Sridhar cited profound ideological disparities with Krishna, particularly concerning matters of Dharma, Ayodhya, and religious figures like Sri Rama. Guided by the teachings of luminaries such as Bhagavad Ramanuja and Vedanta Desika, Sridhar declared his reluctance to perform immediately following the award ceremony, deeming it a disservice to their esteemed values.
Joining the chorus of disapproval is Harikatha virtuoso Visakha Hari, who echoed concerns over Krishna’s past behavior, accusing him of slander and deliberate offense. Hari emphasized the significance of values and virtues alongside musical excellence, invoking the revered names of Carnatic music’s luminaries—Sri Thyagaraja, Sri Muthuswamy Dikshithar, and Syama Sastri—as paragons of such integrity. Casting doubt on whether past legends like Ariyakkudi or Semmangudi would endorse the decision, Hari questioned the alignment of the award with the ethos of Nadopasana, which is ultimately aimed at the pursuit of divinity.
As the controversy rages on, it underscores broader questions about the intersection of art, ideology, and tradition within the Carnatic music community, challenging the very essence of what it means to honor excellence in this esteemed musical tradition.
In a recent statement, Music Academy President N Murali addressed the controversy surrounding Ranjani and Gayatri’s withdrawal from the upcoming annual conference. Murali expressed concern over the duo’s social media statements, suggesting they cast doubt on the sincerity of their withdrawal. He criticized their remarks as containing “unwarranted and slanderous assertions” and insinuations bordering on defamation.
Asserting the Academy’s prerogative in selecting the Sangita Kalanidhi awardee, Murali emphasized that TM Krishna was chosen solely based on his musical excellence over the years, devoid of any external influences. He deemed Ranjani and Gayatri’s decision to withdraw due to Krishna’s selection as unbecoming of artists, implying it displayed poor taste.
Murali further highlighted his disappointment with the duo for sharing their letter publicly before receiving a response, deeming it discourteous. Despite this, he extended the courtesy of a response, acknowledging their contributions to Carnatic music.
This statement underscores the Academy’s stance on the matter, reaffirming its commitment to impartial selection processes and addressing concerns regarding the withdrawal with a measured tone, while also emphasizing the importance of respectful communication within the community.
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