CHENNAI: In a sweeping academic reset that places Indian culture at the centre of future-facing technology, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) is set to launch the IITM–Maestro Ilaiyaraaja Centre for Music Learning and Research from the 2026–27 academic year. In an interview with DT Next, Prof Kamakoti, director of IIT-M, explains the institute’s expansion into medical education and the widening ambit of the ‘IIT Madras for All’ initiative. Excerpts:
Why did IIT-M choose music as the foundation for a new research centre?
Music is often perceived only as an art form, but fundamentally it’s a highly structured science. Every melody, rhythm and tonal transition is governed by mathematics. Today, sound technology has emerged as a major global sector, encompassing sound synthesis, acoustics, digital music, AI-driven audio tools and musical instrument design. To lead in this space, one must understand music scientifically. Indian music offers an unparalleled base for such exploration. Carnatic, Hindustani, folk and devotional traditions are built on centuries of structured musical knowledge. However, much of this intellectual wealth remains undocumented in scientific and mathematical terms. The Ilaiyaraaja Centre aims to capture these musical elements mathematically, analyse them using technology and then innovate upon them. Countries such as Japan have made significant advances in sound synthesis and electronic instruments. While Indian musicians excel in performance, the theoretical depth of Indian classical music is extraordinary. If we can mathematically decode it, it can redefine global sound technology. That is the long-term vision.
How will mathematics, music and engineering converge at the centre in practical terms?
There is mathematics behind every kutcheri, every rhythmic cycle and every tonal movement. Even traditional forms such as Siva Vadhyam follow precise numerical and rhythmic logic. Classical dance, too, is governed by timing, symmetry and mathematical patterns. The centre will bring together musicians, mathematicians, engineers and technologists to document and formalise these structures. Once captured mathematically, they can be modelled and simulated for advanced research in acoustics, sound synthesis, music cognition and immersive audio environments. This work will also extend to instrument design and digital reproduction. Melodies themselves are mathematical constructs, and recognising this formally is critical for the future of sound research.
When will Ilaiyaraaja Centre become operational?
Construction is progressing rapidly with a strong focus on sustainability. The building is being developed largely using bamboo, with skilled workers from Assam playing a major role. A key feature will be a bamboo-based, mic-less auditorium with a seating capacity of 100. It will rely entirely on natural acoustics rather than electronic amplification, staying true to traditional sound principles. Construction will be completed before April 2026, and academic activities, including courses and interdisciplinary research programmes, will begin from the 2026–27 academic year.
IIT-M has begun admitting traditional musicians into BTech programmes. What prompted this decision?
Indian culture must be preserved from a young age. Culture is essential for holistic development as it nurtures creativity, discipline and emotional balance. From last year, IIT-M started admitting students with strong backgrounds in traditional music into BTech programmes, even if their JEEE scores are relatively lower. These students bring a different creative and intellectual energy to the campus. Artists rooted in traditional arts can now pursue engineering education through this pathway. They may also be encouraged to participate in concerts and cultural performances alongside their academic work.
IIT-M is also expanding into medical education. How does this align with its academic roadmap?
Today, more than half of medical diagnosis depends on technology, imaging, data analytics, AI tools and advanced instrumentation. Many doctors are already using artificial intelligence in clinical practice. To remain globally competitive and improve our standing in international rankings, IIT-M must expand into medical science and technology. We established the Medical Science and Technology Centre and launched a BSc programme in Medical Science and Engineering. Notably, several doctors who have completed their MD degrees have joined IIT-M to pursue PhDs at the intersection of clinical medicine and advanced technology. In the near future, we will also begin offering MBBS programmes.
What academic developments are planned for the next academic year?
We plan to introduce a few new branches under the BS degree programmes while focusing on strengthening and stabilising the courses already in place.
Can you outline the scope of the ‘IIT-M for All’ initiative?
‘IIT-M’ for All is about democratising access to high-quality education. Through this initiative, students from rural, tribal and under-represented backgrounds are exposed to the IIT ecosystem. Students from across India visit the campus, stay here and experience how learning, research and innovation function. We’re also simplifying pedagogy, particularly in STEM education, to make engineering and technology easier to learn. For the Institute Open House 2026, more than 70,000 schoolchildren have already enrolled.