Padma Bhushan Dr K Radhakrishnan, speaks about the confluence of science and art, space, earth and of course, Classical Music and Fine Arts with Aparna Shivapura.
About Dr. Koppillil Radhakrishnan
Padma Bhushan Koppillil Radhakrishnan is an Indian space scientist who headed the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) between November 2009 and December 2014 as Chairman of Space Commission, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO. Prior to this, he was the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (2007-2009) and Director of National Remote Sensing Agency (2005-2008) of the Department of Space. He had a brief stint of five years (2000-2005) in the Ministry of Earth Sciences as Director of Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). Presently, he is an Honorary Distinguished Adviser in the Department of Space/ISRO.
Penguin Random House India published his autobiography My Odyssey: Memoirs of the Man Behind the Mangalyaan Mission, co-authored by Radhakrishnan and Nilanjan Routh, in November 2016. But did you know he is an accomplished vocalist (Carnatic music) and Kathakali artist? That is the dimension we wanted to explore in this special edition of ANANYA KALASINCHANA.
He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering; Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India; Honorary Life Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, India; Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, India; Member of the International Academy of Astronautics; Fellow of the Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences; Honorary Fellow of the Kerala Academy of Sciences; Fellow of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing; and Fellow of the Indian Geophysical Union.
Dr. Radhakrishnan, is considered a Technocrat par excellence; a dynamic and result-oriented professional with very fine personal and inter-personal qualities; an astute Institution-builder with a strategic vision; an able and diligent Administrator with a positive attitude; and an inspiring Leader with a rather rare skill of nurturing leadership in the younger generation, according to (https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/dr-k-radhakrishnan-2009-2014).
Performing Arts: Multi-layered dimensions
Dr K Radhakrishnan draws in a wonderful perspective on performing arts and says, ideally, it operates on three levels of experience. First, being that of entertainment, second of understanding / realization and lastly, that of spiritual experience and enlightenment at a deeper level.
Dr Radhakrishnan began learning dance at the age of 7 and has not stopped since then! He grew up in the very seat of culture, a place embodied with rich heritage of dance, music and performing arts. This is one of the primary reasons to have become a part of his system at a very young age. He learned Kathakali and Koodiyattam, transliterated as Kutiyattam, a traditional performing artform in Kerala. It is a combination of ancient Sanskrit theatre with elements of Koothu, a Tamil performing art as old as the Sangam era! An early exposure to this art form along with literature and music perhaps has given this scientist his unique artistic dimension, a deep value for our art and culture and above all, an aesthetic sensibility.
He recalls how temple festivals those days were an important aspect of societal activities and it was part of their upbringing to be involved in it. He learned the improvised version of Kathakali and in fact, learned the lighter or the altered version of Kathakali and was continuing it with passion when a sudden health issue stalled his dance and forced him to stop learning for a while, to the extent that he was almost immobile between 1964 – 79. But this health challenge did not alter, deter or weaken him. He continued to learn from watching as he had a tremendously high grasping ability and in 1979, performing a 7-minute Shiva Tandava and there was no stopping him after that! He has performed various mythological and historical roles including a 1.5hour performance as Parashurama, in 1982 as Bheema, in 1986/87 as King Daksha, Lord Hanuman and continued to perform till mid-90s.
Learning is Infinite and Perpetual
When Dr Radhakrishnan was down with a health challenge and could not dance, he decided to learn Classical Carnatic Vocal Music. Perhaps, most people in his place would have given up on everything due to a physical challenge. Not him! He just found a new channel to learn and express his artistic sensibilities. Like they rightly say, learning is infinite and perpetual.
It is even more inspiring to see how he talks effortlessly about his limitations as an artist. He clearly articulates that when he started learning vocal music, he realized that he had to improvise his voice modulation and range as a singer and slowly started working towards it. He clearly states that he performs only Keerthanas and tries to improvise every single time.
In 1981, he became a student of Shri R K Srikantan, somebody, whom he deeply admires and over the years started performing along with him – initially as a support artist playing the Tambura and later started singing a few songs with him. He admits with great humility that he is an accomplished and brilliant dancer, and okay at singing! Such humility is rare to see!
Music Performances - Perseverance and passion
Dr Radhakrishnan says, “Whether it is in the field of science of art, irrespective of whether it is a profession or hobby, what can make an individual successful is perseverance, passion and determination. There are absolutely no short cuts to this path and it will take a lifetime to get this right.” Shri Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana, once said that he and Dr Radhakrishnan meet to “discuss music.” He considers this comment as a great compliment from a stalwart!
In 2007, he got the first opportunity to perform at the prestigious Chembai Music Festival and since then has performed almost every year. In 2014, he got the opportunity to inaugurate the Festival and has also performed in various parts of Bangalore including The National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore Centre for Kathakali and The Arts, Ananya Foundation, Bangalore Sangeetha Utsava, Malleshwaram College, Bangalore Seva Sadan, in other cities including Mysore and Chennai and more! He also gave two talks related to Music and Performing Arts in JSS Mysore (2015) and Sangeetha Natak Academy.
Science and Art: Different worlds, different dimensions
Dr Radhakrishnan says, “Never found this combination of science and arts as unusual, hence, never felt any limitations or challenges. These were two parallel tracks running in my life. I personally got tremendous benefits – mentally, emotionally and physically because of music and dance and hence, never felt the need to stop.”
During all the five years as Chairman, ISRO, he pursued music along with it, almost seamlessly. In 2009, he went to learn Classical Vocal from Shri R K Srikantan and in 2010, inaugurated the Music Festival in his hometown and performed for an hour in it! On the professional side, when the first GSLV Launch project failed, initially he felt it was improper to sing but later, went and sang in the festival. In 2011, he sang in the sacred Guruvayoor and cherishes the performance. In 2013, he sang for the last time with Shri R K Srikantan.
“I never mixed the two roles as Chairman and an artist. I kept the worlds separate.” In fact, Dr Radhakrishnan is also known for his ability to connect with youngsters and encourage them in profession and art. During his stint as Chairman, in the World Space Week, he sang to a combination of senior professionals and youngsters, earning him an instant connect with youth.
Science and Music is Paraspara Purakam, he says. They are complimentary and contribute to each other’s development. The world of science involved sharpening skills related to analytical thinking, logical dimensions and accuracy. This helps in the growth of an individual as an artist as a performing artist requires tremendous focus, attention to detail, and a high degree of concentration. Music helps you in diverting your mind, takes you to an aesthetic realm and completely relaxes the mind. An opportunity for self-expression, and self-actualization gets created through this, he feels.
Who do you sing for?
“I sing for God and my Guru - and not for anyone else. There is a spiritual dimension to music, Naada Yogam, which is at an elevated plane and only with perseverance do you get to that realm. It is truly satisfying and gives a deep sense of accomplishment and contentment.” Music has a great power to cleanse the system, is like a tonic to heal an individual completely. Once when he was bogged down by failures in 2011, he went and sat alone for two hours contemplating on what had happened. For over two hours, he sang continuously at a high speed and pitch. It enabled him to heal and cleanse from the inside, completely. He also listened to concerts for over five hours. After 15 days, he told his driver – “Now I am ready for the next launch.” Commendable.
Some of the greatest benefits of learning music and dance, he says, includes:
- Helps you get rid of stage fright
- You get the strength to stand on your feet and address an audience
- Gain tremendous clarity and brevity
- Gain high flexibility and voice modulation depending on what one wants to communicate
- Learn communicative gestures
- Can reproduce what you learned on stage
- Make the stage your home
- Reduces stress significantly
- Be physically fit!
Stalwart Career and Achievements
I ask him about his highly credible career and its challenges, experience and achievements. He says, he followed the simple philosophy as narrated in the Bhagavad Gita. “Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kada Chana.” – Do your duty to the best of your ability and leave the rest to God. Some of his most challenging projects including the legendary Mangalayan, GSLV KRYO, GSLV MAR 3 were life-changing lessons and experiences in themselves. He also thanks his highly talented and dedicated team who carried his vision to its fruitful end. He says as a leader he ensured through his entire career that he gave a vision, facilitated the team, appreciate the team and continuously inspire the team. Then only, you touch SUCCESS!
He always tried to imbibe the life of Lord Bharatha whom he prays always, where you do not get attached to power but learn to lead it by vision and example. “Ultimately, we are all alone. We must face challenges of life alone. Need tremendous determination and grit. Need to pray. Learn to give credit to people. And keep the mind clean and clear. As a leader, one has to lead from the front especially when there is a hazard. You need to BE THERE.” I am speechless and completely humbled by this great soul!
Future: Impact of social media on music learning and self-advancement
Dr K Radhakrishnan draws out the differences and advantages with the advancement of technology, internet and social media. In earlier times, knowledge was given by one Guru, it was structured, scheduled and limited. Today, with Internet and New Media, one can gain access to a whole new world, can learn multiple things at the same times, can identify and gain access to many Gurus. The world is completely flattened, and art is delivered in a new media. One of the greatest advantages is its reach, exposure and the awareness it is creating amongst people. Websites like AcharyaNet provides a great platform for serious music lovers and today, artists are also technically better empowered, have a higher awareness and have better skills. As a media of delivery, experimentation and improvisation constantly is required for growth.
Conclusion
Individuals like him are rare. Meeting people like him is even more rare. I come back completely impacted and transformed by his philosophy, caliber, sense of discipline and ethics – somethings that are difficult to come by. A man with a vision, a mission, a leader and a passionate artist. I still wonder how in a lifetime, did he do it all, where the energy, determination, fearlessness and positivity could have come? Perhaps, in his humility, in his child-like keenness, in his good self, in his classical upbringing and above all, openness to learning and self-development. The British multi-disciplinary scientific journal, NATURE called him one of the people who mattered to Science. I would add ART AND HUMANITIES TOO.
Our best wishes to you, Sir, AlwaysPadma Bhushan Dr K Radhakrishnan, speaks about the confluence of science and art, space, earth and of course, Classical Music and Fine Arts with Aparna Shivapura.
About Dr. Koppillil Radhakrishnan
Padma Bhushan Koppillil Radhakrishnan is an Indian space scientist who headed the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) between November 2009 and December 2014 as Chairman of Space Commission, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO. Prior to this, he was the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (2007-2009) and Director of National Remote Sensing Agency (2005-2008) of the Department of Space. He had a brief stint of five years (2000-2005) in the Ministry of Earth Sciences as Director of Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). Presently, he is an Honorary Distinguished Adviser in the Department of Space/ISRO.
Penguin Random House India published his autobiography My Odyssey: Memoirs of the Man Behind the Mangalyaan Mission, co-authored by Radhakrishnan and Nilanjan Routh, in November 2016. But did you know he is an accomplished vocalist (Carnatic music) and Kathakali artist? That is the dimension we wanted to explore in this special edition of ANANYA KALASINCHANA.
He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering; Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India; Honorary Life Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, India; Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, India; Member of the International Academy of Astronautics; Fellow of the Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences; Honorary Fellow of the Kerala Academy of Sciences; Fellow of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing; and Fellow of the Indian Geophysical Union.
Dr. Radhakrishnan, is considered a Technocrat par excellence; a dynamic and result-oriented professional with very fine personal and inter-personal qualities; an astute Institution-builder with a strategic vision; an able and diligent Administrator with a positive attitude; and an inspiring Leader with a rather rare skill of nurturing leadership in the younger generation, according to (https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/dr-k-radhakrishnan-2009-2014).
Performing Arts: Multi-layered dimensions
Dr K Radhakrishnan draws in a wonderful perspective on performing arts and says, ideally, it operates on three levels of experience. First, being that of entertainment, second of understanding / realization and lastly, that of spiritual experience and enlightenment at a deeper level.
Dr Radhakrishnan began learning dance at the age of 7 and has not stopped since then! He grew up in the very seat of culture, a place embodied with rich heritage of dance, music and performing arts. This is one of the primary reasons to have become a part of his system at a very young age. He learned Kathakali and Koodiyattam, transliterated as Kutiyattam, a traditional performing artform in Kerala. It is a combination of ancient Sanskrit theatre with elements of Koothu, a Tamil performing art as old as the Sangam era! An early exposure to this art form along with literature and music perhaps has given this scientist his unique artistic dimension, a deep value for our art and culture and above all, an aesthetic sensibility.
He recalls how temple festivals those days were an important aspect of societal activities and it was part of their upbringing to be involved in it. He learned the improvised version of Kathakali and in fact, learned the lighter or the altered version of Kathakali and was continuing it with passion when a sudden health issue stalled his dance and forced him to stop learning for a while, to the extent that he was almost immobile between 1964 – 79. But this health challenge did not alter, deter or weaken him. He continued to learn from watching as he had a tremendously high grasping ability and in 1979, performing a 7-minute Shiva Tandava and there was no stopping him after that! He has performed various mythological and historical roles including a 1.5hour performance as Parashurama, in 1982 as Bheema, in 1986/87 as King Daksha, Lord Hanuman and continued to perform till mid-90s.
Learning is Infinite and Perpetual
When Dr Radhakrishnan was down with a health challenge and could not dance, he decided to learn Classical Carnatic Vocal Music. Perhaps, most people in his place would have given up on everything due to a physical challenge. Not him! He just found a new channel to learn and express his artistic sensibilities. Like they rightly say, learning is infinite and perpetual.
It is even more inspiring to see how he talks effortlessly about his limitations as an artist. He clearly articulates that when he started learning vocal music, he realized that he had to improvise his voice modulation and range as a singer and slowly started working towards it. He clearly states that he performs only Keerthanas and tries to improvise every single time.
In 1981, he became a student of Shri R K Srikantan, somebody, whom he deeply admires and over the years started performing along with him – initially as a support artist playing the Tambura and later started singing a few songs with him. He admits with great humility that he is an accomplished and brilliant dancer, and okay at singing! Such humility is rare to see!
Music Performances - Perseverance and passion
Dr Radhakrishnan says, “Whether it is in the field of science of art, irrespective of whether it is a profession or hobby, what can make an individual successful is perseverance, passion and determination. There are absolutely no short cuts to this path and it will take a lifetime to get this right.” Shri Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana, once said that he and Dr Radhakrishnan meet to “discuss music.” He considers this comment as a great compliment from a stalwart!
In 2007, he got the first opportunity to perform at the prestigious Chembai Music Festival and since then has performed almost every year. In 2014, he got the opportunity to inaugurate the Festival and has also performed in various parts of Bangalore including The National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore Centre for Kathakali and The Arts, Ananya Foundation, Bangalore Sangeetha Utsava, Malleshwaram College, Bangalore Seva Sadan, in other cities including Mysore and Chennai and more! He also gave two talks related to Music and Performing Arts in JSS Mysore (2015) and Sangeetha Natak Academy.
Science and Art: Different worlds, different dimensions
Dr Radhakrishnan says, “Never found this combination of science and arts as unusual, hence, never felt any limitations or challenges. These were two parallel tracks running in my life. I personally got tremendous benefits – mentally, emotionally and physically because of music and dance and hence, never felt the need to stop.”
During all the five years as Chairman, ISRO, he pursued music along with it, almost seamlessly. In 2009, he went to learn Classical Vocal from Shri R K Srikantan and in 2010, inaugurated the Music Festival in his hometown and performed for an hour in it! On the professional side, when the first GSLV Launch project failed, initially he felt it was improper to sing but later, went and sang in the festival. In 2011, he sang in the sacred Guruvayoor and cherishes the performance. In 2013, he sang for the last time with Shri R K Srikantan.
“I never mixed the two roles as Chairman and an artist. I kept the worlds separate.” In fact, Dr Radhakrishnan is also known for his ability to connect with youngsters and encourage them in profession and art. During his stint as Chairman, in the World Space Week, he sang to a combination of senior professionals and youngsters, earning him an instant connect with youth.
Science and Music is Paraspara Purakam, he says. They are complimentary and contribute to each other’s development. The world of science involved sharpening skills related to analytical thinking, logical dimensions and accuracy. This helps in the growth of an individual as an artist as a performing artist requires tremendous focus, attention to detail, and a high degree of concentration. Music helps you in diverting your mind, takes you to an aesthetic realm and completely relaxes the mind. An opportunity for self-expression, and self-actualization gets created through this, he feels.
Who do you sing for?
“I sing for God and my Guru - and not for anyone else. There is a spiritual dimension to music, Naada Yogam, which is at an elevated plane and only with perseverance do you get to that realm. It is truly satisfying and gives a deep sense of accomplishment and contentment.” Music has a great power to cleanse the system, is like a tonic to heal an individual completely. Once when he was bogged down by failures in 2011, he went and sat alone for two hours contemplating on what had happened. For over two hours, he sang continuously at a high speed and pitch. It enabled him to heal and cleanse from the inside, completely. He also listened to concerts for over five hours. After 15 days, he told his driver – “Now I am ready for the next launch.” Commendable.
Some of the greatest benefits of learning music and dance, he says, includes:
- Helps you get rid of stage fright
- You get the strength to stand on your feet and address an audience
- Gain tremendous clarity and brevity
- Gain high flexibility and voice modulation depending on what one wants to communicate
- Learn communicative gestures
- Can reproduce what you learned on stage
- Make the stage your home
- Reduces stress significantly
- Be physically fit!
Stalwart Career and Achievements
I ask him about his highly credible career and its challenges, experience and achievements. He says, he followed the simple philosophy as narrated in the Bhagavad Gita. “Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kada Chana.” – Do your duty to the best of your ability and leave the rest to God. Some of his most challenging projects including the legendary Mangalayan, GSLV KRYO, GSLV MAR 3 were life-changing lessons and experiences in themselves. He also thanks his highly talented and dedicated team who carried his vision to its fruitful end. He says as a leader he ensured through his entire career that he gave a vision, facilitated the team, appreciate the team and continuously inspire the team. Then only, you touch SUCCESS!
He always tried to imbibe the life of Lord Bharatha whom he prays always, where you do not get attached to power but learn to lead it by vision and example. “Ultimately, we are all alone. We must face challenges of life alone. Need tremendous determination and grit. Need to pray. Learn to give credit to people. And keep the mind clean and clear. As a leader, one has to lead from the front especially when there is a hazard. You need to BE THERE.” I am speechless and completely humbled by this great soul!
Future: Impact of social media on music learning and self-advancement
Dr K Radhakrishnan draws out the differences and advantages with the advancement of technology, internet and social media. In earlier times, knowledge was given by one Guru, it was structured, scheduled and limited. Today, with Internet and New Media, one can gain access to a whole new world, can learn multiple things at the same times, can identify and gain access to many Gurus. The world is completely flattened, and art is delivered in a new media. One of the greatest advantages is its reach, exposure and the awareness it is creating amongst people. Websites like AcharyaNet provides a great platform for serious music lovers and today, artists are also technically better empowered, have a higher awareness and have better skills. As a media of delivery, experimentation and improvisation constantly is required for growth.
Conclusion
Individuals like him are rare. Meeting people like him is even more rare. I come back completely impacted and transformed by his philosophy, caliber, sense of discipline and ethics – somethings that are difficult to come by. A man with a vision, a mission, a leader and a passionate artist. I still wonder how in a lifetime, did he do it all, where the energy, determination, fearlessness and positivity could have come? Perhaps, in his humility, in his child-like keenness, in his good self, in his classical upbringing and above all, openness to learning and self-development. The British multi-disciplinary scientific journal, NATURE called him one of the people who mattered to Science. I would add ART AND HUMANITIES TOO.
Our best wishes to you, Sir, Always.