A controversy has erupted at the Madras Music Academy following the decision to honor musician TM Krishna with the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi award this week. In response to this decision, Carnatic vocalists Ranjani-Gayatri and Harikatha exponent Dushyanth Sridhar have announced their withdrawal from the Music Academy Conference 2024.Ranjani and Gayatri, renowned Carnatic vocalists, declared that they will not be performing at their scheduled concert on December 25 and will not participate in the conference which will be hosted from December 15 to January 1. They criticized TM Krishna, alleging that his actions have caused significant harm to the Carnatic music community by disrespecting revered figures like Tyagaraja and MS Subbulakshmi.#thread 2/6He has caused immense damage to the Carnatic music world, wilfully and happily stomped over the sentiments of this community and insulted most respected icons like Tyagaraja and MS Subbulakshmi. #madrasmusicacademy #respectcarnaticmusic— Ranjani Gayatri (@ranjanigayatri) March 20, 2024Ranjani-Gayatri expresses their discontentIn a social media post, Ranjani-Gayatri expressed their discontent, stating, His actions have tried to spread a sense of shame in being a Carnatic musician and have been exhibited through his consistent denigration of spirituality in music. They further accused TM Krishna of glorifying figures like EVR, which they deemed dangerous for the Carnatic music fraternity.#Astikas - I have conveyed to the Madras Music Academy that I will not be performing on the 1st January 2025 (after the sadas). Below is a copy of the letter drafted to them. pic.twitter.com/MRx9b8Z6qR— Dushyanth Sridhar (@dushyanthsridar) March 20, 2024Similarly, Dushyanth Sridhar declined to perform on January 1, 2025, citing his disagreement with the Music Academys decision to honor TM Krishna.Chinmayi Sripada steps up for TM KrishnaHowever, singer Chinmayi Sripada has extended support to TM Krishna, congratulating him on receiving the award and questioning Ranjani and Gayatris stance. She posted, It. Is. Not. Your. Fault. All these people with power and audience could have done so much - but they didnt. Nobody said a word.WOW.I have not seen such an impassioned thread when scores of Carnatic Music students spoke about sexual abuse and harassment by multiple Carnatic Musicians in 2018.They have multiple molesters - Child sex offenders to be specific, in their own fold, denigrating and soiling… https://t.co/u3C36gOvpD— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 20, 2024TM Krishna, who received the Sangita Kalanidhi award earlier this week, expressed his gratitude on social media. He is also set to preside over the Music Conference 2024.
