I have no agenda to change people, says TM Krishna

He is one among the few Carnatic musicians who stood against the distinct caste-elitism in the Carnatic Sabha culture. Uncommon in his rendition of music and original in his interpretation of it, TM Krishna has shaken the foundation of the Carnatic music world, questioning many of its traditions. Winner of this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award for social inclusiveness in culture, TMK aims to bridge the gap of social inequality.

Being a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, he opens up about the casteism and how people should come forward and start a dialogue within the community. Though preparations for the Margazhi music festival are around the corner, an unfazed TMK is busy with his own music commitments.

A dialogue against the Carnatic Sabha culture I cannot expect or demand anything of others. But I do think all of us must begin thinking about these issues. We need to set aside our own cultural baggage and introspect. We have to think with nuance and not in terms of black and white. Please look around for any Carnatic music festival, and if you do not see that it is bound by brahminism, I do not know what to say. And to those who feel this is how it should be, I have nothing to say, either. A truly awakened society is one that can think subtly, accept the problems that exist and move forward. Carnatic music has to become welcoming of people from diverse cultures.

More space for art forms I think it is essential that we create multiple, open, public spaces for art forms that have been ignored so far, so that larger audiences can experience these forms. And it is also important that art forms of communities that are marginalised, must be presented, not as an exotic one-time presentation, but with respect and regularity. The culturally powerful have to learn to go beyond their limited paradigm. And the marginalised should be embraced and their own suspicions of the rest need to be addressed. Urur Olcott Kuppam vizha and criticism Any criticism coming from serious engagement with cultural issues and the complexities that exist are welcome. We will all learn from it. The rest, I don’t worry about. Every individual is a political being and therefore art is a political body. It is after all constructed by human beings.

Do art and social work go hand in hand Social work is the result of introspection and a realisation of one’s own place within the larger canvas of society. Real art or a truly engaged artist will go through a similar transformation. Therefore, art and social work are natural partners. I have no agenda to change people. We will keep working with the arts, and try and create as many connections as possible, that move people to experience and reflect on their preconceived notions. This is needed in all communities, not just the high-caste. There are inhibitions that limit all of us.

Will this year’s Margazhi make a difference, when compared to previous year I do not see anything really changing this year. But if it does, it will be wonderful. The dialogue has just begun and we need to be patient and keep the conversation going. Change has to be initiated in the practice of Carnatic music, within the community and in its relationship with people beyond its limited circle.