Art Beyond Social Barriers

Breaking social barriers, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor and ensuring equality are never ending pursuits. The power of art in achieving such visions is often underrated, or rather not understood by all. The reason lies in the fact that art forms do not discriminate, they can add beauty to anyone's life. It is thus significant that this trait of an art form is preserved. This is what the Urur Olcott Margazhi Vizha has tried to do.

Over the past years, along with the growing social divisions, practice of art forms has divided. This has resulted in an instinctive branding of some forms of art as 'superior'. Though the 'superiority' isn't openly discussed about, it has had its effect in practice. Mr. T M Krishna's brainchild, the Urur Olcott Margazhi Vizha stems out from the vision that this 'superiority' doesn't exist by nature and that art belongs to all.

It is common observation that most of the listeners in Carnatic concerts today are members of the same caste and belong to particular areas of the city. While no restriction is placed on the kind of the audience, due to various reasons, certain art forms such as Carnatic music remain either unapproachable or inaccessible or both to certain sections of the society. This maybe due to social, economic or even discriminatory reasons. In simpler words, it is almost impossible to find a resident of the Urur Olcott Kuppam (the Urur Olcott slum) in a concert hall during the Margazhi Vizha (the December music season).
When I came across the initiative on Facebook, I was pleasantly surprised. Initially, I felt it would pass by unnoticed. The bad weather in December was probably a blessing in disguise which resulted in the event being postponed to the Pongal time and gathering the much needed publicity in this period.

An overwhelming crowd; abandoned vehicles used as decorative elements

I had managed to make myself present on the second day of the festival just as I had promised myself. From the first sight of it, it seemed like a grand success. The crowd was much more than I had imagined; the decorations, beautifully done. Right in front of the stage (not seen in the picture), was a group of enthusiastic children from the slum. The graffiti work on the walls was nicely done and would leave the people of the slum with memories they would cherish. Having attended Carnatic concerts in various halls, to watch Mr. Unnikrishnan perform in the backdrop of the sea and in the slum, was a completely new experience for me and many others who were present.

Locals watching from their houses

The idea is revolutionary. However, the success of the implementation is questionable. The viewers/listeners from outside clearly outnumbered the locals present. Also, the notion that it takes a certain pre requisite knowledge to enjoy a classical art form kept a few locals away. This was evident when a group of boys sitting right in front of me chose to leave after their request for a gana song wasn't heeded to by Mr. Unnikrishnan!

Many locals did seem to enjoy the festival too. The old man beside me was all smiles throughout the concert and expressed his joy in a very animated manner. Some watched from their houses and seemed visually pleased. Many girl children clad in saree were all dressed up for the occasion and posed for photographs; they sure were made to feel important.

(Click image)

Another objective of the festival was to bring classical and folk art forms to the same stage. The concert was followed by a drama presentation by members of the slum. The lead actors put up tremendous performances. The kid on the harmonium was simply brilliant and definitely rose some eyebrows. The amount of talent in ONE slum area is truly surprising to say the least.
Such talent is largely unnoticed and the artists made good use of this opportunity.


The festival was a learning experience. Art forms need to break social divisions and be accessible to all. Carnatic music has to reach the slum people just as much as folk art forms have to reach the city. Just as the drama was about to end, Mr. T M Krishna walked in silently and sat down to watch the performance. He has succeeded in making this a festival for the slum people sans any sort of personal branding.

This guy on the harmonium was brilliant

Managed to get a picture with Mr. T M Krishna!