TM Krishna's MS Subbulakshmi Award Triggers Cultural Debate

TM Krishna, a prominent Carnatic musician, has recently been at the center of a significant controversy surrounding the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award, which he was conferred during the Music Academy’s 98th Annual Conference and Concerts.

The award, named after the legendary vocalist MS Subbulakshmi, has sparked legal disputes initiated by V. Shrinivasan, Subbulakshmi’s grandson, who argues that Krishna’s past remarks about his grandmother are disrespectful and undermine her legacy. Shrinivasan’s petition claims that Krishna has made “vile, vituperative, and scandalous” comments about Subbulakshmi, which he believes disqualify him from receiving an award in her name.

The Madras High Court initially issued an injunction against the award’s conferment, citing Subbulakshmi’s will, which explicitly prohibits the establishment of memorials or awards in her name. However, a division bench later overturned this injunction, allowing the award to be presented but stating it should not carry Subbulakshmi’s name.

Following this, the Supreme Court intervened, issuing an interim order that prevents Krishna from being recognized as the award recipient until the legal matters are resolved. This situation has ignited debates within the Carnatic music community regarding the intersection of artistic recognition, legacy, and the responsibilities of public figures in honoring cultural icons.

The ongoing legal proceedings and public discourse reflect broader tensions within the music community, particularly concerning issues of caste, identity, and the evolving nature of tradition in Indian classical music.

Jargon

Sangita Kalanidhi: A prestigious award in Carnatic music, conferred by The Music Academy, Chennai, to recognize exceptional musicians. It is considered the highest accolade in the field.
MS Subbulakshmi Award: An award instituted by The Hindu Group in 2005, automatically given to the recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi award, named in honor of the legendary Carnatic singer MS Subbulakshmi.
Sampradaya: A term referring to the traditions and conventions in Carnatic music. It encompasses the historical practices and the evolving nature of the art form.
Rasika: A term used to describe a connoisseur or an admirer of music, particularly in the context of Indian classical music.
Sabha: A gathering or assembly, often referring to organizations that promote classical music performances, particularly in South India.
Vile, Vituperative, and Scandalous: Terms used to describe harsh, abusive, or derogatory remarks, often employed in legal contexts to characterize statements that are deemed disrespectful or defamatory.
Casteism: A social stratification system prevalent in India, often criticized for perpetuating inequality and discrimination. Krishna’s activism often addresses these issues within the context of Carnatic music.

Viewpoints 💭

‘Left’ Viewpoint

Ideological Differences

‘Right’ Viewpoint

The left views TM Krishna’s advocacy for inclusivity and democratization in Carnatic music as a necessary challenge to traditional norms that often exclude marginalized communities.
Krishna’s critical engagement with the legacy of MS Subbulakshmi is seen as an effort to address caste and social issues within the music industry, rather than a personal attack.
The left supports Krishna’s call for a more socially representative Carnatic music environment, emphasizing the importance of diversity and first-generation learners.
Krishna’s work is viewed as a reflection of his commitment to social justice, using music as a tool for change and challenging the status quo.
The left criticizes the legal challenges against Krishna as attempts to stifle dissent and maintain traditional power structures within the music community.

The left emphasizes TM Krishna’s role in challenging caste hierarchies and promoting inclusivity in Carnatic music, while the right views his actions as disrespectful to cultural icons like MS Subbulakshmi.
Krishna’s critical remarks about traditional norms are seen by the left as necessary for progress, whereas the right perceives them as attacks on cultural heritage.
The left supports Krishna’s efforts to democratize music and include marginalized voices, contrasting with the right’s focus on preserving traditional values and respecting legacies.
While the left views the legal challenges against Krishna as attempts to suppress dissent, the right sees them as necessary to uphold the wishes and legacy of MS Subbulakshmi.
Krishna’s association with Dravidian ideologies is embraced by the left as part of his broader social activism, but criticized by the right as politically divisive and contrary to traditional values.

The right perceives TM Krishna’s remarks about MS Subbulakshmi as disrespectful and believes they undermine her legacy, warranting the legal challenges against him.
Krishna’s criticism of traditional norms in Carnatic music is viewed as an attack on cultural heritage and the values upheld by the music community.
The right supports the legal actions taken by MS Subbulakshmi’s family, emphasizing the importance of respecting her will and legacy.
Krishna’s association with Dravidian ideologies and his critiques of Brahminical dominance are seen as divisive and politically motivated.
The right argues that Krishna’s approach to music and activism disrupts the harmony and tradition of Carnatic music, which should be preserved.

Prominent Voices 📣

From the ‘Left’

From the ‘Right’

TM Krishna (Carnatic singer and social activist): Advocates for a more inclusive and diverse Carnatic music environment, challenging traditional norms and caste dynamics. ¹ ²
Gopal Sankaranarayanan (Senior Advocate for Krishna): Defends Krishna’s comments as an attempt to challenge myths about Subbulakshmi, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement with cultural icons. ³ ⁴
Suhrith Parthasarathy (Counsel for TM Krishna): Clarifies that Krishna’s remarks were misinterpreted and were meant to challenge exaggerated narratives about Subbulakshmi. ⁵
Perumal Murugan (Writer): Praises Krishna for challenging boundaries and embracing inclusivity, revolutionizing Carnatic music. ⁶
Rithvik Raja (Carnatic Vocalist): Highlights Krishna’s music as embodying his beliefs and values, pushing boundaries and creating a legacy of inclusivity. ⁶

Shubha Chacko (Social Activist): Commends Krishna’s collaboration with the Jogappas for breaking social barriers and blending different music traditions. ⁶

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V. Shrinivasan (Grandson of M.S. Subbulakshmi): Argues that Krishna’s past remarks about Subbulakshmi are disrespectful and disqualify him from receiving the award in her name. ³ ⁷
N. Venkataraman (Additional Solicitor General): Highlights the urgency and extraordinary nature of the case due to Krishna’s alleged defamatory articles against Subbulakshmi. ⁸ ⁹
Justice Hrishikesh Roy (Supreme Court Justice): Emphasizes the respect commanded by MS Subbulakshmi and notes the inappropriate nature of Krishna’s comments. ¹⁰ ¹¹
Justice SVN Bhatti (Supreme Court Justice): Supports the interim order and highlights the need for justification of Krishna’s remarks. ¹² ¹³
S Gurumurthy (Editor of Tamil political weekly Thuglak): Criticizes Krishna for dishonoring MS Subbulakshmi by focusing on her birth, music, and looks. ¹⁴

Dushyanth Sridhar (Vedic discourser): Questions the Music Academy’s decision to award Krishna, who has not participated in their events for years. ¹⁴

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