Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has endorsed Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna amid protests by several artists against his Sangitha Kalanidhi award.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin congratulated Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna for being selected for the Sangitha Kalanidhi award by The Music Academy, despite protests from several artists who oppose the award. Stalin expressed his appreciation for Krishna’s achievement.

Stalin criticized Krishna for his progressive political views and advocacy for the common man. He criticized Periyar for his fight for human equality and women’s equal rights for three-quarters of a century. Stalin argued that it is unfair to criticize Krishna for his progressive stances and not to unnecessarily lash out at Periyar, who fought for human equality and peace.

The Music Academy management deserves appreciation for recognizing TM Krishna’s contributions to the music industry. Krishna’s talent is undeniable, and he emphasized the need for a broad human vision and the ability to avoid hatred and embrace fellow human beings, rather than mixing narrow politics with religious beliefs.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Kanimozhi defended the recognition of carnatic vocalist @tmkrishna as Sangita Kalanidhi by the Music Academy, stating that the hate he is receiving for his social beliefs or his engagement with Periyar is uncalled for.

Several musicians have boycotted Madras Music Academy’s December conference, citing Krishna’s Sangita Kalanidhi award for glorifying Periyar and vilifying the Carnatic music community.

Artists are upset with Chennai-based Madras Music Academy’s decision to bestow Oscar-equivalent honor on 48-year-old vocalist Krishna, who will preside over the 98th annual conference and concerts in December.

Indian classical duo Ranjani and Gayatri have criticized their participation in this year’s conference under TM Krishna’s presidency as a “moral violation.”

The Trichur Brothers, Srikrishna and Ramkumar Mohan, have expressed concerns about their participation in the Academy’s year-end festival conference, claiming it would make them “outright hypocrites.”

Krishna, an economics graduate, was a musical prodigy who began learning music from Bhagavathula Seetharama Sharma, followed by Carnatic vocalist Chingleput Ranganathan and Semmangudi Srinivas.

Krishna, the grandnephew of former Indian finance minister TT Krishnamachari, is a founder of the Madras Music Academy.

Sangita Kalanidhi awardee to preside over 98th Annual Conference and Concerts of The Music Academy, December 15-2025.

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