The golden standard of Carnatic music has not diminished in this modern age and its unadulterated purity is maintained despite the fall in standards witnessed in many spheres of life, noted former governor of West Bengal Gopalakrishna Gandhi. “Carnatic music is not an idiom with a stock expression, it can be explored endlessly by musicians of great sahityam,” he said.

Participating in a function organised by the Bharathiya Vidhya Bhavan to felicitate Magsaysay award winner TM Krishna or TMK, the singer who took Carnatic music to the masses, Gandhi said, that the musical odyssey of this singer is marked by his great talent, restless spirit and stunning modesty.

A musician who has performed over 2,000 concerts has touched infinity in music as he sees humanity and universal love in music like the great mathematician who saw in infinity in mathematical theorems. And though TMK challenged the conventional tenets of Carnatic music, he did not cross its boundaries in his spirit of exploration. His roots are strongly entrenched in all the facets of Carnatic musical heritage, noted Gandhi.

Vidwan RK Ramkumar said that TMK has sangeetha vicharam and has achieved integrity in every composition, whether it is alapana, keerthana, or swara.

Krishna in his acceptance speech said he gets “soul satisfaction” when music enjoyed is by all. “Carnatic music should not be confined to sabhas; it should reach all sections of society. Even the underprivileged should be given a chance to learn and practice Carnatic music,” he said.