TM Krishna’s next novel attempt, concert of Ambedkar’s ideologies

The repertoire included works of Subramania Bharati, Bharathidasan and other Tamil writers. “These songs address several issues such as caste and other separations that plague the country. I also sang the Porambokku Paadal, to highlight environmental issues. These compositions were chosen to reflect Ambedkar’s ideologies,” said Krishna. 

The singer also interacted with the students. “They were young adults – fabulous and full of energy. We spoke about Ambedkar and there was a lot of empowerment. This is the first time that I’m performing on Ambedkar Jayanti,” he added. 

Speaking about his choice of venues, which would have been deemed “unconventional” for a kutcheri, Krishna said that every art form needs to be performed within the context of a different ‘time and place’. 

“Yes, it is an unconventional venue but I think people should have access to all art forms. Every art form suffers when it is boxed under various categories. The more we challenge, the richer our society becomes. Art is the best way to interact with people. 

And it is not about loving all the art forms. It is about having the access to experience an art form and if someone doesn’t like it, that’s okay. Rejection is also a part of engagement. This is the case not only with Carnatic music but also other forms like Pariattam and Koothu,” he pointed out. 

D Ravikumar, writer and politician, and the General Secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), said that the youngsters enjoyed the music and keenly discussed Ambedkar’s relevance even in today’s context. 

“The event was put together by Justice K Chandru, who had adopted this hostel. We spoke about how majoritarian politics can be dangerous in our country. Ambedkar had warned against majoritarian politics many years ago. In other countries, it is a political majority but in India, it is a communal majority. 

In this case, giving power to a communal majority can be dangerous and we are already witnessing the repercussions,” he said.