Casual Conversations #2: T.M. Krishna

myLaw (www.mylaw.net) presents a new series hosted by Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India - Casual Conversations with Citizens. Informal discussions with non-legal professionals and personalities about their life, the law and the interactions with it.
Our second conversation was with T.M. Krishna, Musician, Author and Activist on May 16, 2020. For those interested, the translation of the non-anthem passages of Jana Gana Mana sung by him towards the end of the discussion is set out below:
Stanza 1: (The National Anthem)
Jano Gano Mano Adhinaayako Jayo Hey,Bhaarato Bhaagyo Bidhaataa
Panjaabo Sindhu Gujaraato Maraathaa,Draabiro Utkalo Bango
Bindhyo Himaachalo Jamunaa Gangaa, Uchchhalo Jalodhi Tarango
Tabo Shubho Naamey Jaagey, Tabo Shubho Aashisho Maagey
Gaahey Tabo Jayogaathaa
Jano Gano Mangalo Daayako, Jayo Hey Bhaarato Bhaagyo Bidhaataa
Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey,Jayo Jayo Jayo, Jayo Hey
O, the ruler of the minds of people, Victory be to You, dispenser of the destiny of India!
Punjab, Sindhu, Gujarat, Maharashtra,Dravida(South India), Orissa, and Bengal,
The Vindhya, the Himalayas, the Yamuna, the Ganges,and the oceans with foaming waves all around
Wake up listening to Your auspicious name, Ask for Your auspicious blessings,
And sing to Your glorious victory.
Oh! You who impart well being to the people!
Victory be to you, dispenser of the destiny of India!
Victory to you, victory to you, victory to you...
Stanza 2:
Ohoroho Tobo Aahbaano Prachaarito,Shuni Tabo Udaaro Baani
Hindu Bauddho Shikho Jaino,Parashiko Musholmaano Christaani
Purabo Pashchimo Aashey,Tabo Singhaasano Paashey
Premohaaro Hawye Gaanthaa
Jano Gano Oikyo Bidhaayako Jayo Hey,Bhaarato Bhaagyo Bidhaataa
Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey,Jayo Jayo Jayo, Jayo Hey
Your call is announced continuously, we heed your gracious call
The Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Muslims and Christians,
The east and the west come, to your throne
And weave the garland of love...
Oh! You who bring in the unity of the people!
Victory be to you, dispenser of the destiny of India!
Stanza 3:
Potono Abhbhudoy Bandhuro Ponthaa, Jugo Jugo Dhaabito Jaatri
Hey Chiro Saarothi, Tabo Ratha Chakrey Mukhorito Potho Dino Raatri
Daaruno Biplabo Maajhey,Tabo Shankhodhwoni Bajey
Sankato Dukkho Traataa
Jano Gano Potho Parichaayako,Jayo Hey Bhaarato Bhaagyo Bidhaataa
Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey,Jayo Jayo Jayo, Jayo Hey
The way of life is somber, as it moves through ups and downs.
But we, the pilgrims, have followed it through the ages.
Oh! Eternal charioteer, the wheels of your chariot echo day and night in the path
In the midst of fierce revolution, your conch shell sounds.
You save us from fear and misery
Oh! You who guide the people through tortuous path...
Victory be to you, dispenser of the destiny of India!
Victory to you, victory to you, victory to you...
Stanza 4:
Ghoro Timiro Ghono Nibiro,Nishithey Peerito Murchhito Deshey
Jagrato Chhilo Tabo Abicholo Mangalo,Noto Nayoney Animeshey
Duhswapney Aatankey,Rokkhaa Koriley Ankey Snehamoyi Tumi Maataaa
Jano Gano Duhkho Trayako,Jayo Hey Bhaarato Bhaagyo Bidhaataa
Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey,Jayo Jayo Jayo, Jayo Hey
During the bleakest of nights, when the whole country was sick and in swoon
Wakeful remained Your incessant blessings, through your lowered but winkless eyes
Through nightmares and fears, you protected us on Your lap. Oh loving mother
Oh! You who have removed the misery of the people...
Victory be to you, dispenser of the destiny of India!
Victory to you, victory to you, victory to you...
Stanza 5:
Raatri Prabhatilo Udilo Rabichhabi, Purbo Udayo Giri Bhaaley
Gaahey Bihangamo Punyo Samirano, Nabo Jibano Rasho Dhaley
Tabo Karunaaruno Ragey,Nidrito Bhaarato JageyTabo Chorone Noto Maatha
Jayo Jayo Jayo Hey, Jayo Rajeshwaro, Bhaarato Bhaagyo Bidhaataa
Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey, Jayo Hey,Jayo Jayo Jayo, Jayo Hey
The night is over, and the sun has risen over the hills of the eastern horizon.
The birds are singing, and a gentle auspicious breeze is pouring the elixir of new life.
By the halo of your compassion, India that was asleep is now waking.
On your feet we lay our heads.
Victory, victory, victory be to you, the supreme king, the dispenser of the destiny of India!
Victory to you, victory to you, victory to you...

[@tbpp6553]

'Art is not an inherent part of life in India.' Word.

[@krishnamurthykrishnaiyer8719]

I also have similar views on most of the subjects he has touched upon. It is very difficult for anyone, especially the middle and upper class in Metros, who generally have a shelterd environment like family, school, community, friends etc. to really understand the inequalities which exist in our system. The view from the top is always spectacular and hides many faults. I feel helpless when I see children being initiated in to religious beliefs, culture, arts, rituals etc., and the how parents take pride in that. How do you expect them to question when they grow up. How many children will really like to go through the boring process of learning Music, Dance or for that matter any art form.

[@rajrag]

Lofty thoughts.

[@rajrag]

May I respectfully add that your dismissal of allegations that Jana Gana Mana was written in praise of King George who was visiting India on his own account is unbecoming of a balanced lawyer. Also may I point out that TL Venkatrama Iyer's father wrote a sanskrit poem "George Deva Shatkam" around the same time which was about to be delivered by Rt. Honorable V.Krishnaswamy Aiyer himself on the occasion of his trip to Delhi to receive the prestigious Kaiser-e-Hind from the Emperor. Unfortunately VK Aiyer died (possibly killed) knowing how the Intelligence agencies work before receiving the award. Clearly the timing of the penning of Jana Gana Mana Adinayaka to the visit of the King's visit, the stardom Tagore himself enjoyed among the British elite and the self governance petition that were to be formally brought up to the King upon his arrival and the anticipation of his granting it, have to be taken into account before taking Tagore for his words. Just as Krishna concluded that his coffee table book would be much different if he were to write it now, you can't rule out the possibility of Tagore evolving over the years since and therefore coming up with a denial of sorts. Ofcourse Mr. GOPAL did not dwell on that point beyond the brushing off statement, it does somewhat demonstrate the bias of the insider who fails to see alternate points of view in their merit. Kudos to Krishna for not excluding himself and putting himself on a higher pedestal. He is consistent in his exploration and is not hesitant to admit that he could be wrong although he presents his current opinion as if it is infallible even as his positions have evolved over years. Are we sure if this is the end conclusion or is he likely to mature into the system when he discovers an end goal to classical Indian art forms that seem to surround temple and Gods more than anything else. Dang it, you guys are making me think on a Sunday. Good show.