Straight Talk: TM Krishna
TM Krishna commented on how the national anthem can help us affirm the idea of India in today's scenario. Discussing the national as a poetic masterpiece and national treasure at KLF, the epitomic theoretician of Indian music made it clear that all the controversies regarding the national anthem are nothing less than a conscious effort to belittle the song and its author. Emphasizing on its historical, lyrical and musical notions, the speaker was of the opinion that the anthem gives us a beautiful possibility and a sign of hope of what we can be as Indians. The beauty of the song is depicted right from its beginning -Jana, gana and mana are powerful words that underlines the strength of the citizens as an individual, collective while equally regarding their heart.
Deeply criticizing the government for the recent policies Krishna commented that the long term Hindutva strategy put forward by the government, indifferent to its people can only be broken by a serious cultural reawakening. He also said that the young people who protests on the streets in the country is a reminder that the Constitution is a flame of hope that we should hold on to.
The lack of imagination standing as the main problem of the opposition politics, he stated that the National Anthem together with his other works can help us understand the charm, power and greatness of Tagore's imagination. He also commented that it is supremely important to sing its full verse, in every possible occasion.