Kalakshetra withdraws nod for Krishna's event

January 31, 2020 22:44

Kalakshetra Foundation, anautonomus body under the Culture Ministry has withdrawn its permission to noted Carnatic music vocalist T M Krishna's book release function slated to be held on February 2 on its premises in Chennai.

While the revocation of the nod has led to a volley of protests in the social media, the organisers have said that the event will now be held at another premises in Chennai on the same day and time (6.45 pm).

The reputed institution, devoted to the promotion of performing and visual arts and music made known its decision in a letter to the publisher of the book 'Sebastian & Sons: A Brief History of Mrdangam Makers'.

Mrdangam, known as 'mirudangam' in Tamil is a percussion instrument. Citing the book review in a daily, K F Director RevathiRamachandran said, it 'contains certain statements relating to the book which touch controversial issues and certainly have a lot of political overtones'.

The institution was unaware of the 'controversies surrounding the subject matter of the book', at the time of renting its auditorium for the book release, she noted.

The foundation said it was a government organisation and hence cannot allow any programme that may instigate political, cultural and social disharmony.

"We therefore regret to inform you that we hereby withdraw our permission given for usage of our auditorium for the book release function.

"The hire charges are remitted back to the bank account from which it was received," she said.

The withdrawal of permission triggerred a bout of protests in the social media and Krishna said he was 'saddened and baffled' by the foundation taking back its permission.

The book celebrated generations of mirudangam makers,their travails and how they were marginalised.

In a tweet, he said the venue for the launch of the book has been shifted to Asian College of Journalism in Chennai. -- PTI

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