It is atrocious that an artist is not allowed to perform in a temple based on their religious belief or non-belief: TM Krishna

Cultural conversations and conversations on various faiths have to be nurtured, says the Carnatic vocalist who rendered select verses of Sree Narayana Guru at Hosanna Mount, Pala

Carnatic vocalist, composer and author TM Krishna will be rendering select verses of Sree Narayana Guru at Hosanna Mount, Pala, on April 9. Hosanna Mount is dedicated to the memory of Joseph Pulikkunnel, writer and social reformer.

The concert is being organised by Backwaters Collective, Nool Archives, Hosanna Mount and Uru Art Harbour and supported by DC Books.

Mr. Krishna talks to The Hindu about the significance of the concert, and why it is especially important to sing the Guru’s verses in the backdrop of a sudden surge of caste- and religious-based discrimination against artistes in certain temples in Kerala.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

What are your thoughts on artistes belonging to different faiths not being allowed to perform in some temples in Kerala?

It is atrocious that an artiste is not allowed to perform in a temple based on religious belief or non-belief. A temple has always been considered as a place where, as far as culture and music are concerned, people of various faiths or no belief at all could participate in the arts and culture. The beauty of any kind of non-exclusive space is that anybody can participate in the celebrations.

What about the great Nagaswaram artistes? There are Muslims. The greatest was (Sheik) Chinna Moulana. Are we going to say he couldn’t play at a temple? It is shocking that this is happening in Kerala. I am deeply worried that religious institutions are taking such steps. Recently, we read about the hijab row in Karnataka, then there is this rule that non-Hindus can’t have shops around temples... I don’t know what we are doing to ourselves. It is tragic.