The recent legal proceedings surrounding the Sangita Kalanidhi award and its associated cash prize have not only upheld the late M.S. Subbulakshmi’s explicit wishes but also exposed a troubling editorial stance by The Hindu. In its affidavit and subsequent reporting, the publication has cast unwarranted doubt on the familial ties between Subbulakshmi and her daughter Radha Vishwanathan’s son, V. Shrinivasan, trivializing their profound relationship.
Shrinivasan filed a civil suit opposing the naming of a cash prize instituted by The Hindu after Subbulakshmi, citing her 1997 will that explicitly prohibited memorials in her name. While the court affirmed the sanctity of Subbulakshmi’s will and clarified that the cash prize could be awarded without using her name, The Hindu’s actions—both in the courtroom and in its coverage—have raised ethical questions.
The publication’s description of Shrinivasan as someone who “claimed to be the grandson of Subbulakshmi” is nothing but an attempt to deride and shove its animosity towards Mr. Shrinivasan; which seems to be a deliberate editorial choice.
The Hindu continues to play mischief by insinuation. In its affidavit, it wanted Radha Vishwanathan's son to prove that he is indeed MS' grandson. And in its report today, it continues to asterisk him, as it were. It basically trivialises MS-Radha mother-daughter relationship. pic.twitter.com/TwQAiZqVNl
— K Balakumar (@kbalakumar) November 20, 2024
This language reflects The Hindu’s courtroom strategy, where it demanded that Radha Vishwanathan’s son prove his lineage—an unnecessary and disrespectful attack on the integrity of one of Carnatic music’s most revered families. The court, in contrast, had no doubts about Shrinivasan’s standing, recognizing his locus standi in the case and the validity of his claims.
Such insinuations by The Hindu appear especially problematic given the close ties between its leadership and the Music Academy, whose president is N. Murali, brother of leftist journalist N. Ram. This raises questions about whether vested interests are at play in the publication’s editorial stance.
Yes, it is a known fact that MS Subbulakshmi was not Radha’s biological mother, but this does not justify The Hindu’s disparaging conduct. By focusing on insinuations rather than addressing the broader ethical issue of respecting Subbulakshmi’s wishes, the publication diverts attention from the true matter at hand: honoring the legacy of one of India’s greatest musicians.
In its eagerness to defend its position, The Hindu has disrespected not only MS Subbulakshmi’s family but also her legacy. If the publication truly valued her contributions, it would align its actions and reporting with the dignity that her memory demands.
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