New Delhi/Thrissur : The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, today laid the foundation stone of Chetana Ganashram, a cultural and musical campus dedicated to spiritual awakening for people of all faiths, at Thrissur in Kerala.
Chetana Ganashram is a project of the Kuriakose Elias Service Society and an initiative of CMI Devamatha Public School.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President highlighted that Bharat possesses a rich musical tradition dating back thousands of years. He said that Indian music is not merely sound but a spiritual journey, meditation, prayer and celebration of life. Describing music as the purest expression of India’s ancient civilisational ethos, he noted that it unites millions of hearts through a shared rhythm.
Emphasising the deep roots of Indian music, he observed that from the hymns of the Vedas to the devotional compositions of saints, music has flowed through the nation like the holy Ganga. He also referred to historical evidence of vibrant musical traditions in ancient South India, including inscriptions in the Brihadisvara Temple, built by the Chola kings, which recorded the appointment and patronage of hundreds of musicians and dancers.
Speaking about India’s diverse musical heritage, the Vice-President described Hindustani and Carnatic classical music as profound sciences of sound. He 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 the world.
Observing that both Western and Indian music are built upon seven notes, he explained that the Sapta Swaras resonate with human emotions, regulate breathing, stabilise the heartbeat, reduce stress and enhance concentration. He remarked that when a beautiful raga flows at dawn or a devotional hymn fills a sacred space, music becomes medicine.
The Vice-President appreciated the vision of Chetana Ganashram as an eco-friendly music campus dedicated to music meditation and therapy. He noted that the seven notes symbolise unity in diversity—distinct yet harmonious together—offering an important lesson for humanity. He also commended the inclusive management of the Ganashram, which involves people from different faiths, including noted singer K. J. Yesudas, and appreciated its efforts to bring people together through music and meditation.
Highlighting the 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 expressed confidence that the institution would help awaken and heal many lives.
The Vice-President further noted that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the ancient wisdom of Yoga has gained global recognition and emerged as a symbol of India’s soft power, reflecting the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. He added that the Central Government has created vibrant platforms for the exchange of musical traditions, strengthening unity in diversity and enhancing global appreciation for India’s cultural heritage.
Concluding his address, he emphasised that in today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, the healing power of music is more relevant than ever. He wished Chetana Ganashram great success and expressed hope that the eternal vibrations of Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni would continue to heal hearts and guide humanity towards harmony.
The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Kerala, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Tourism, Suresh Gopi; Kerala’s Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, R. Bindu; Mayor of Thrissur Corporation, Niji Justin; Archbishop of Thrissur, Mar Andrews Thazath; Provincial, CMI Devamatha Province, Thrissur, Jose Nandhikkara; and Executive Director of Chetana Gaana-Ashram, Paul Poovathingal, among other dignitaries.