Thiruvananthapuram: Writer and singer Sreekumari Ramachandran said that Carnatic musicians get only scant respect these days. She was participating in the conversation on the topic ‘Whether contemporary music engulfs Carnatic music?’ (Kalika Sangeetham Karnataka Sangeethathe Vizhungumo?) along with Carnatic singer and composer Sreevalsan J. Menon and writer Ramesh Gopalakrishnan at Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL’19) being held at Kanakakkunnu here on Friday.

At the beginning of the session, Sreekumari Ramachandran’s book was launched by Sr eevalsan J. Menon. Ramesh Gopalakrishnan initiated the session by mentioning quite a number of Carnatic musicians such as Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, G. N. Balasubramaniam, Madurai Mani Iyer and others who gained fame for the specialized areas of music they handled.

Sreekumari Ramachandran stated that there is no barrier or crisis for the Carnatic music in the present scenario, as the history of it can be traced back to the time beyond time. It has also connection with the myths and legends of our land. As it holds such a strong background, pure music will only exist surviving all types of crises, she said.

Sreekumari named a few singers who belong to the modern generation but follows the pure music without losing its essence. She appreciated the efforts of some music bands which introduce western instruments in Carnatic music without causing any harm to the conventionalities but at the same time attracting the new generation through the beats.

However, she reminded of some modern music trends in which accompaniment of high profile instruments  hide the weakness of the vocal part. This tendency needs to be discouraged as only pure music will exist over time. It would not survive without the instruments. She also blamed the organizers of music events who fail to give due respect and consideration for the Carnatic musicians. She criticized their attitude of giving low prominence to the musicians.

Sreevalsan J. Menon highlighted on the spaces allotted for pure music which has a great role in determining the existence of Carnatic music in modern culture. He observed that the venues for Carnatic music has been decreasing and the spaces are encroached by other versions of the art. He also said the Kerala has also welcomed all types of music and even stayed away from the anti-classic movement unlike other south Indian states.

He also said that Kerala overcame socio-cultural barriers in the music sector. The space for music in social media has decreased considerably. The film sector demands for music that has fewer amounts of Carnatic elements and Ragas and prefers simple music which everyone can easily follow. This is likely to cause the pure music to disappear from the mainstream. He suggested that the government need to intervene in the issue to resolve the crisis.

After the session, actor and writer V. K. Sreeraman handed over mementos to Ramesh Gopalakrishnan, Sreevalsan J. Menon and Sreekumari Ramachandran. The programme was conducted at the Festival Hall at Kanakakkunnu at 1 in the noon. Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2019 is conducted in eight venues here from January 31 to February 3.