The Vice-President of India, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan, today laid the foundation stone of Chetana Ganashram, a cultural and musical campus for spiritual awakening for people of all religions, at Thrissur, Kerala. Chetana Ganashram is a project of the Kuriakose Elias Service Society (KESS) and an initiative of CMI Devamatha Public School, Thrissur.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that Bharat has a rich musical tradition dating back thousands of years. “The music of Bharat is not merely sound, it is a spiritual journey, a meditation, a prayer, and a celebration of life. He described music as the purest expression of Bharat’s ancient civilizational soul and It is a powerful thread that weaves millions of hearts into one shared rhythm.
Highlighting the civilizational depth of Indian music, he noted that from the hymns of the Vedas to the devotional outpourings of saints, music has flowed through the nation like the holy Gang. The Vice-President also cited historical evidence of the vibrant musical culture of ancient South India, including inscriptions in the Brihadisvara Temple built by the Chola kings, which record the appointment and support of hundreds of musicians and dancers.
He noted that sacred hymns such as the Thevaram were regularly rendered in temples, demonstrating the timelessness of Bharat’s musical heritage. Speaking about India’s diverse musical traditions, 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 continents. Observing that all music Western or Indian is built upon seven notes, he said the Sapta Swaras resonate with human emotions, regulate breathing, steady the heartbeat, reduce stress, and enhance concentration.
“When a beautiful raga flows at dawn or a devotional hymn fills a sacred space, music becomes medicine,” he remarked. 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 symbolize unity in diversity each distinct, yet harmonious together, offering a profound lesson for humanity. He commended the Ganashram’s inclusive management involving people of different faiths, including noted personalities such as Singer Shri K. J. Yesudas, and appreciated its efforts to bring people together under the spiritual umbrella of 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), the Vice-President expressed confidence that the institution would awaken and heal many souls.
He further stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ancient wisdom of Yoga has gained unprecedented global recognition and has 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, the Vice-President emphasized that in today’s fast-moving 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, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Tourism, Shri Suresh Gopi; Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, Government of Kerala, Dr. R. Bindu; Mayor of Thrissur Corporation, Dr. Niji Justin; Archbishop of Thrissur, Mar Andrews Thazath; Provincial, CMI Devamatha Province, Thrissur, Dr. Jose Nandhikkara; and Executive Director, Chetana Gaana-Ashram, Dr. Paul Poovathingal, among other dignitaries.