Kalakshetra withdraws nod for vocalist Krishna's event

Kalakshetra Foundation, an autonomus body under the Culture Ministry has withdrawn its permission to noted Carnatic music vocalist T M Krishna's book release function slated to be held on February 2 on its premises here.

While the revocation of the nod has led to a volley of protests in the social media, the organisers have said that the event will now be held at another premises here on the same day and time (6.45 pm).

The reputed institution, devoted to the promotion of performing and visual arts and music made known its decision in a letter to the publisher of the book "Sebastian & Sons: A Brief History of Mrdangam Makers."
Citing the book review in a daily, KF Director Revathi Ramachandran said, it "contains certain statements relating to the book which touch controversial issues and certainly have a lot of political overtones."
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram took to twitter and said, "Shameful that Kalakshetra should withdraw permission to hire their auditorium to release the new book by T M Krishna. 'Withdraw permission' is an euphemism for cancelling a contract. Cancellation is illegal besides being high-handed."