About the Book
We, the People of India explores the origins and evolution of India’s national symbols—including the flag, anthem, emblem, motto, and Preamble—and the debates that shaped the country’s identity after independence. Drawing on extensive research, T M Krishna uncovers the historical, cultural, and philosophical ideas behind these symbols and their continuing relevance. The book invites readers to reflect on constitutional values, democracy, and representation while examining how these foundational ideals speak to contemporary India.
About the Speaker
T M Krishna is a renowned Karnatik vocalist and public intellectual whose work explores structural inequality, culture, and the arts. He is the author of A Southern Music: The Karnatik Story, Reshaping Art, and Sebastian and Sons: A Brief History of Mrdangam Makers.
Krishna is the driving force behind the Chennai Kalai Theru Vizha and the Svanubhava initiative. He has led and participated in several pioneering collaborations, including Chennai Poromboke Paadal; performances with the Jogappas, traditional transgender musicians; Karnatik Kattaikuttu, which brought together art forms from opposite ends of the social spectrum; and a long-standing poetic partnership with Tamil writer Perumal Murugan. He is also a collaborator on The Edict Project, an initiative with Ashoka University that reimagines Emperor Ashoka’s edicts through music.
In 2016, Krishna was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in recognition of “his forceful commitment as artist and advocate to art’s power to heal India’s deep social divisions.”
