In a significant endorsement of arts education, the director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has announced that students trained in classical music can now pursue engineering at the premier institute. Professor V Kamakoti made this encouraging statement, urging parents to introduce their children to music from an early age.
Bridging Arts and Sciences at IIT Madras
Professor Kamakoti delivered these remarks on Wednesday while giving the inaugural address at a prestigious cultural event. He was speaking at the 93rd annual South Indian Music Conference and Festival, organized by the Indian Fine Arts Society in Chennai. The director highlighted IIT-M's strong interdisciplinary focus, which is creating unique opportunities for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
He elaborated on several innovative initiatives that exemplify this blend of technology and tradition. One notable project is the development of a bamboo-based, microphone-less auditorium, showcasing sustainable acoustic engineering. Furthermore, Kamakoti revealed plans for the proposed Ilaiyaraaja Centre for Excellence in Music, set to be established within the IIT-M campus, named after the legendary music composer.
The Scientific Foundation of Music
A key part of Kamakoti's address was his emphasis on the deep-rooted connection between music, science, and mathematics. He traced this relationship back to the ancient Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas, which lays down the scientific and mathematical principles underlying Indian classical music. This historical perspective, he argued, provides a robust foundation for students excelling in music to also thrive in the structured, logical world of engineering.
The director's message was clear: the discipline, pattern recognition, and cognitive skills honed through rigorous training in traditional music are highly complementary and beneficial for a career in engineering and technology.
Honouring Musical Excellence
The event also served as a platform to honour stalwarts of Indian classical music. As part of the ceremonies, Director V Kamakoti conferred the Sangeetha Kalasikhamani title on renowned violinists Lalgudi G J R Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, recognizing their immense contribution to the art form.
In addition, noted industrialist Nalli Kuppuswami Chetty presented several awards to accomplished artists in the fields of dance and music. The day's proceedings concluded with a captivating stage play, marking a fitting end to the celebration of fine arts.
This announcement from IIT-M's leadership signals a progressive shift in how premier technical institutions view holistic education. It opens new academic pathways and reinforces the value of cultural knowledge alongside scientific prowess, encouraging a generation of students to embrace both the arts and the sciences.
