Leftist anti-Hindu and pro-Dravidianist Carnatic singer TM Krishna who was recently awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi award by Music Academy in December 2024 amidst boycotts by other seasoned artistes.
It is noteworthy that on 16 December 2024, the Supreme Court issued an interim order barring Carnatic musician TM Krishna from being recognized as the recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award, conferred by the Music Academy a day earlier. The Court acted on a petition by MS Subbulakshmi’s grandson, citing Krishna’s past derogatory comments about the Bharat Ratna awardee. Krishna had referred to Subbulakshmi as a “saintly Barbie doll” and “the greatest hoax of the twentieth century,” sparking controversy. While Krishna’s counsel defended the comments as critiques, the Court ruled that Krishna should not associate himself with the award pending further proceedings.
TM Krishna who recently sang at the Chennai Sangamam praising EV Ramasamy Naicker, was awarded by rabid anti-Hindu Dravidianist K Veeramani at a function recently. TM Krishna sang three songs on stage praising Dravidianist ideologue, EV Ramasamy Naicker, hailed as Periyar by his followers – one of them was Sindhikkachonnavar Periyar followed by Karpi Ondru Ser. The third song which he said he composed with writer Perumal Murugan, “Sudhandhiram Vendum” that which also became a talking point at the Music Academy in December 2024 during the music season when he was awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi award.
Dravidianist K Veeramani Presents Award To TM Krishna
Presenting the award to TM Krishna, Dravidianist ideologue Veeramani said, “Today, we are all happy that he did not get angry when faced with opposition. He emphasized the need for freedom, which is why we started the Self-Respect Movement. Freedom of knowledge, freedom of expression, freedom of dignity—freedom is needed in every aspect of life. True freedom is not just about letters or numbers, nor is it about celebrating 75 years of independence. It’s about looking back and speaking without fear. He expressed this beautifully.
The biggest accusation against Periyar was that he encouraged the youth to speak out. Similarly, Socrates faced the same accusation. Such accusations should resonate worldwide because only then will people live in a world where equality thrives. Among those warriors of equality, today, TM Krishna stands as a rare gem, impossible to replace. Where is the music that has traveled everywhere? They even created a niche for that music. Music is fame, but they gave it a unique identity. Who is this person? Where is the music sung? There is no respect for the music sung in certain places unless it is approved by those in power. TM Krishna is the name that shattered this oppressive power of dominance. As soon as we called, he came with love, without hesitation, sang Sindhikkachonnavar Periyar”. Periyar never said to accept everything. He only asked you to think.”
He continued, “Once, a student asked and he said, “Don’t believe what anyone says. Use your own knowledge.” The student then questioned, “Do you believe what I say or not?” He said, “Don’t believe what I say. Believe in yourself.” He is the only leader who said this. In this country, the struggle for freedom has been ongoing since that day. From whom do we seek freedom? He declared, “We want freedom.” When some say, “Don’t think,” others urge, “Think deeply.” They are willing to accept any punishment to make us think. This is the force of today’s society. We need more Krishnas here; he is not alone. In ancient times, there were stories that wherever you go and see, Krishna will be present everywhere. Now, his song resonates everywhere—not just for the music but for its message. Music is fame, and the essence of that music has touched everyone. Yesterday, when a Dravidian model student sang in front of the Chief Minister, it echoed across the world. Yesterday it was there, today it is here, and tomorrow it will be somewhere else—for us, for the people, for the entire world. In this, the special gift I present him the “Makkal Isai Manbadar” award. He is worthy of those ideals. Long live, grow, and continue the work.”
Following Veeramani’s speech, TM Krishna was offered the mic, and he emphasised about the “concept of porampokku” and that it was a “beautiful thing”. He said, “Sir, I think it is better not to speak after he spoke. But I am very happy. This is a Pongal festival. Receiving this award from you. This is a Pongal festival. It is very important for me that I sang these songs. As he said, music, dance, whether it is drama, art, whatever form of art it is, it is public property. What is a word that I like very much? There is a word called “Porampokku” and I have sung a song about it. It is not a bad word at all. That is the problem. “Purampokku” is a very beautiful word. It is something that no one owns. It means public land, it may be a river or a forest, it is public to all. Let me tell you how the word porampokku became a bad word. The British government could not collect tax from this type of land – had it been your private property, they could collect tax. But who will he get the tax from porampokku land? So they called it a waste and useless. So that word porampokku has become a bad word today. There are two to three societal problems in this. If you make it a bad word, then what does that make all those living there? What about their respect, livelihood, art, and effort? Everything then becomes useless. Because of this bad word, there are several problems caused. Because many beautiful things are happening in this porampokku. Now they are grazing sheep, where are they grazing them? In this porampokku only. Then how much do they give to the society? That platform called porampokku us a feeling. You don’t have to be a slave to a thought, a compulsion, or a building. You are a commoner. All of us are common. Everything we do is common. Our thinking is a common thing. Only if we all are beautiful porampokku, our society would be beautiful. So, one thing for me is that it is enough if we all are good porampokku, all this would be fine.”
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