Vice President Lauds Indian Music as Spiritual Heritage at Thrissur Campus Inauguration
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan emphasized on Sunday that the music of India represents a profound spiritual journey, serving as a form of meditation, prayer, and celebration of life. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for Chetana Ganashram in Thrissur, he described music as flowing through the country's civilization like the holy Ganga River.
Chetana Ganashram: A Cultural Campus for Spiritual Awakening
Chetana Ganashram is an innovative eco-friendly cultural and musical campus designed for spiritual awakening, open to people of all religions. This significant project is an initiative of the Kuriakose Elias Service Society (KESS) and CMI Devamatha Public School in Thrissur. The vice president highlighted that in today's fast-moving and often stressful world, the healing power of music has become more relevant than ever before.
"Each musical note possesses its own identity, but together they create beautiful melody. Similarly, human beings, though different, can create harmony when aligned with a higher purpose," Radhakrishnan stated poetically during his address.
Historical Roots of India's Musical Tradition
The vice president provided historical context by referring to evidence of vibrant musical culture in ancient South India. He specifically mentioned inscriptions in the Brihadeesvara Temple, constructed by the Chola kings, which document the appointment and support of hundreds of musicians and dancers. Radhakrishnan noted that sacred hymns like the Thevaram were regularly rendered in temples, reflecting the timelessness of India's musical heritage.
He observed that both Western and Indian musical systems are built upon seven foundational notes. "The Sapta Swaras resonate deeply with human emotions, regulate breathing patterns, steady the heartbeat, reduce stress levels, and enhance concentration," he explained. "When a beautiful raga flows at dawn or a devotional hymn fills a sacred space, music transforms into medicine for the soul."
Gajasthram: Innovative Drone System for Wildlife Management
In a significant technological unveiling, the vice president introduced Gajasthram, an innovative drone-aided remote chemical tranquilization system designed specifically for darting wild animals and managing unruly captive elephants. This groundbreaking system has been designed and developed by elephant darting expert Dr P B Giridas, with sponsorship from the Lakshmi Charitable Trust headed by Suresh Gopi.
According to former joint director of the animal husbandry department Dr Ajith Babu, Gajasthram represents the world's first drone-integrated remote chemical tranquilization platform for safe and efficient wildlife intervention in difficult terrains. Forest darting experts and specialized elephant squads can utilize this advanced system effectively for wildlife conservation and management purposes.
Distinguished Gathering at the Ceremony
The foundation stone-laying ceremony attracted several prominent dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, and State Education Minister R Bindu. Their presence underscored the significance of both the cultural campus and the technological innovation unveiled during the event.
The vice president's address connected India's rich musical heritage with contemporary spiritual needs while showcasing technological advancement in wildlife conservation, creating a multifaceted narrative about cultural preservation and innovation in modern India.
