Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday laid the foundation stone of Chetana Ganashram, an eco-friendly cultural and musical campus aimed at promoting spiritual awakening and social harmony, in Kerala’s Thrissur.
The Ganashram is a project of the Kuriakose Elias Service Society (KESS) and an initiative of CMI Devamatha Public School, Thrissur. Conceived as a centre for music, meditation and therapy, the campus seeks to bring together people of all religions under a shared spiritual and cultural platform.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President highlighted Bharat’s rich musical heritage, describing Indian music as far more than sound. “The music of Bharat is a spiritual journey, a meditation, a prayer, and a celebration of life,” he said, adding that music represents the purest expression of India’s ancient civilisational soul and has woven millions of hearts into one shared rhythm.
Tracing the historical depth of Indian music, he noted that from the hymns of the Vedas to the devotional compositions of saints, music has flowed through Indian civilisation like the holy Ganga. Referring to inscriptions at the Brihadisvara Temple built by the Chola kings, he said they recorded the appointment and patronage of hundreds of musicians and dancers, reflecting the vibrancy of South India’s musical culture. Sacred hymns such as the Thevaram, he added, were rendered regularly in temples, underscoring the timelessness of India’s musical traditions.
The Vice President described Hindustani and Carnatic classical music as profound sciences of sound and recalled the immortal compositions of Tyagaraja, the genius of Tansen, the divine voice of M. S. Subbulakshmi, and the global influence of Ravi Shankar, noting that Indian music has inspired audiences across continents.
Observing that both Western and Indian musical systems are built upon seven notes, he said the Sapta Swaras resonate deeply with human emotions, regulate breathing, steady the heartbeat, reduce stress and enhance concentration. “When a beautiful raga flows at dawn or a devotional hymn fills a sacred space, music becomes medicine,” he remarked.
Appreciating the vision of Chetana Ganashram, he said the proposed campus would include five 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 expressed confidence that the institution would heal and uplift many lives.
The Vice President also commended the inclusive management of the Ganashram, which involves people of different faiths, including noted singer K. J. Yesudas. He said such initiatives promote social and religious harmony and reflect the spirit of unity in diversity.
Referring to the global recognition of Yoga under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said India’s ancient wisdom traditions have gained renewed prominence worldwide, strengthening the country’s cultural influence and reinforcing the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family.
“In today’s fast-moving and often stressful world, the healing power of music is more relevant than ever,” the Vice President said, wishing the project success and expressing hope that the eternal vibrations of Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni would guide humanity towards harmony.
The ceremony was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, Kerala Higher Education and Social Justice Minister Dr. R. Bindu, Thrissur Mayor Dr. Niji Justin, Archbishop of Thrissur Mar Andrews Thazath, Provincial of CMI Devamatha Province Dr. Jose Nandhikkara, and Executive Director of Chetana Gaana-Ashram Dr. Paul Poovathingal, among other dignitaries.
