World Students’ Day: At 68, Thaha Kutty returns to the classroom with a new dream

As India celebrates World Students’ Day on October 15, marking the 95th birth anniversary of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, a 68-year-old student of Journalism PG Diploma at Mathrubhumi Media School wakes up to another day of learning that has been continuing for decades on end. Thaha Kutty M, from Wayanad, believes that education should permeate our lives until the moment we become “dust and air”. This simple mindset of “always being a student” could, in itself, hold the key to longevity and fulfilment.

Yoga and music: A lifelong passion

Early on, Thaha Kutty found meaning in his life through yoga and music. In fact, after completing a PG Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Science from Madras University and a Master of Fine Arts in Music from Annamalai University, Thahakutty was in the process of submitting his PhD application when he chanced upon an advertisement for admission to Mathrubhumi’s PG Diploma in Journalism and Artificial Intelligence.

Thaha Kutty says: “Recently, I had been thinking of starting a YouTube channel to explore the therapeutic aspects of yoga through Indian classical music. But to turn that idea into reality, I first needed to learn the technical skills involved, from shooting and editing videos to recording audio, creating and managing a YouTube channel. That is what brought me to the Media School”.

The sexagenarian considers both music and yoga as two sides of the same coin. Through the experiential wisdom acquired over decades of practising yoga and diving deep into the ragas and keerthanas of Carnatic music, Thaha Kutty came to the conclusion that both can be used as complementary, non-pharmacological approaches to well-being. Hence, he named his Youtube channel ‘Yoga Isai Nilavu’.

Thaha Kutty notes: “In Tamil, ‘Isai’ means music and ‘Nilavu’ means moonlight or radiance. The name thus represents the radiance of yoga and music. Certain asanas, for instance, can help manage risk factors associated with conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Similarly, ragas such as Mohanam may help promote relaxation and ease mental stress. Through my YouTube channel, I hope to combine the benefits of yoga and music to help people lead healthier, more active lives as they age, with less dependence on hospitals and medicines.”

Finding purpose through learning

In his classic text ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’, Victor Frankl, the Austrian psychologist, wrote that humankind’s ‘primary motivation’ of existence is the specific purpose that needs to be fulfilled. Every individual has a unique calling in life, and its sincere pursuit can bring a deep sense of meaning.

At this stage in his life, Thaha Kutty considers it one of his primary duties to share with as many people as possible the wisdom of yoga and music he has gained through years of practice. Indeed, he views the PG Diploma in Journalism as a stepping-tone towards this dream. “As time passes, new technologies emerge, and we must keep ourselves updated with the changing times. Only then can we share the knowledge we have acquired with a wider audience. Dean Shajan C. Kumar and senior faculty members Sabarinath Bahuleyan and Sandhya P. P. have been very supportive throughout my journey at Mathrubhumi Media School. They have already taught me the basics of YouTube, digital media and artificial intelligence, and I am currently learning video editing. I hope to complete the editing syllabus and launch my YouTube channel in the next one or two months,” Thaha Kutty adds.

Learning beyond retirement

In September next year, when the PhD registration process begins at Annamalai University, Thahakutty plans to join the programme. Moreover, discussions with his music teacher at the university have been ongoing.

When asked what he had to say to people who ‘retire from life’ at the time of their professional retirement, Thaha Kutty replied: “We have access to so many resources today; all we need to do is make use of them. Some people say, ‘I have grown old. I should spend my remaining days in prayer.’ But my message to everyone is to keep learning until our very last breath, until we become dust and air. Growing old does not mean we have to become inactive or lose our energy. Lifelong learning is necessary not just for keeping our minds and bodies healthy, but also for keeping our intellect and rational thinking sharp.”