Open discussion must to solve society’s problems, says TM Krishna

CHENNAI: Carnatic singer TM Krishna pitched for open discussion and constant questioning in order to inch closer to finding solutions to problems that plague society. He was speaking at the launch of his book Sebastian and Sons in Chennai on Sunday. “Do we have answer to these problems? No. But can we keep talking about them?” he said while launching the book at the Asian College of Journalism.

“I am a very selfish man. I am also talking because I am also very confused. I don't know how to get rid of these problems... So it (the book) is about these difficulties and we have to talk about them (the problems)."

He said the endeavour of a writer or artiste was to hope “that the writer is thinking and being self-reflective and honest and the reader is engaging with that intensity.”


The venue of the launch was shifted after the Kalakshetra Foundation withdrew permission for the book launch stating that being an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, it wouldn't “allow any programme that may instigate political, cultural and social disharmony.”

The book discusses the role of mrudangam makers, who are primarily from dalit communities, in the world of Carnatic music.