Prominent Indian classical musicians Ranjani and Gayatri have announced their decision to withdraw from the Academy of Music Conference 2024, presided over by TM Krishna, including the concert scheduled for December 25th. They voiced their dissent after the Academy of Music awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi Award to TM Krishna earlier this week.
Ranjani and Gayatri informed X of their decision. They expressed disappointment with Mr. Krishna's leadership and accused him of causing “incalculable damage” to the Carnatic music community. “[He] He happily trampled on the sentiments of this community and insulted some of the most revered icons like Thyagaraja and MS Subbulakshmi,” the tweet read.
They added that his actions were an attempt to humiliate Carnatic musicians, which was “made clear by his consistent denigration of spirituality in music”. They further wrote, “He defamed the Carnatic music fraternity, to which they collectively contributed millions of hours of artistry, hard work, and literature.”
The musicians also expressed concern about Krishna praising figures like EVR, who “proposed genocide of Brahmins” and “called all the women of this community by vile and profane terms.” He claimed that he had “sought to normalize foul language in social discourse.”
They went on to say, “We believe in the values of art and artists, Vaghe Yakara, Rasika, institutions, respecting our roots and culture. If we ignore these values and cancel this year's conference… If you participate in it, you are violating morals.”
The Music Academy shared its reaction to the pair's statements.
Check out people's reactions to this statement released by Ranjani Gayatri.
“Thank you both for standing up for Dharma! I'm a fan not only of your music, but of the courage of your beliefs!” an individual commented.
Another said, “Thank you both so much. Much respect for defending our dharma.”
A third shared: “So brave of you to call out these violent people.”
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