VP Radhakrishnan Lays Foundation Stone of Chetana Ganashram in Thrissur
Calls Music a Spiritual Force that Unites and Heals Humanity
- Chetana Ganashram to promote music meditation and therapy
- VP says Indian music is a spiritual journey and civilizational force
- Eco-friendly campus to foster social and religious harmony
- Five ‘alayams’ planned for therapy, yoga and classical arts
GG News Bureau
Thrissur, 1st March: The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Sunday laid the foundation stone of Chetana Ganashram, a cultural and musical campus aimed at spiritual awakening and harmony, in Thrissur, Kerala.
Chetana Ganashram, an initiative of the Kuriakose Elias Service Society (KESS) and CMI Devamatha Public School, is envisioned as an eco-friendly music campus dedicated to meditation, therapy and the promotion of social and religious harmony.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said, “The music of Bharat is not merely sound, it is a spiritual journey, a meditation, a prayer, and a celebration of life.” He observed that music has flowed through India’s civilization “like the holy Ganga,” shaping its cultural and spiritual identity for thousands of years.
Highlighting the depth of India’s musical heritage, he referred to traditions ranging from Vedic hymns to the devotional compositions of saints. He cited inscriptions at the Brihadisvara Temple of the Chola period that document the patronage of musicians and dancers, underscoring the timelessness of India’s musical culture.
Describing Hindustani and Carnatic classical music as profound sciences of sound, the Vice-President recalled legends such as Tyagaraja, Tansen, M. S. Subbulakshmi and Ravi Shankar, noting that Indian music has inspired audiences globally.
Emphasising the therapeutic dimension of music, he said that the seven notes — Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni — resonate with human emotions and can regulate breathing, steady the heartbeat, reduce stress and enhance concentration. “Each note has its identity. But together, they create melody. Likewise, human beings, though different, can create harmony when aligned with a higher purpose,” he remarked.
The Vice-President appreciated the inclusive vision of Chetana Ganashram, which brings together people from different faiths. He noted that the campus will house five proposed ‘alayams’ — Dhyana-alayam (Music Meditation), Sangeet-alayam (Neurologic Music Therapy), Sabd-alayam (Voice Therapy), Kala-alayam (Indian Music and Dance), and Yoga-alayam (Yoga Therapy).
He said that in today’s fast-paced and stressful world, the healing power of music is more relevant than ever, expressing confidence that the institution would awaken and heal many souls.
The event was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, Kerala Minister R. Bindu, and other dignitaries.
