IIT Madras also plans to implement an artist quota in admissions.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has established the IIT-M Maestro Ilaiyaraaja Centre for Music Learning and Research, marking a significant step in integrating modern technology with music research.
The center, designed to advance music research using technologies such as artificial intelligence, was inaugurated by the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja and Tripura Governor Indirasena Reddy Nallu. The stone was laid at the inauguration ceremony of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) hosted by IIT-M.
IIT-M Director V. Kamakoti highlighted the substantial research opportunities in music and the potential for further exploration. “There is a lot of research that goes into understanding music. With advanced technology such as AI being used in music, more research can follow. With this in mind, the institute approached Ilaiyaraaja,” Kamakoti said.
Ilaiyaraaja, recalling his own musical journey, emphasized the importance of passion and dedication in learning, underscoring the intrinsic value of music. The Maestro has demonstrated how a complicated Carnatic ragam can be appreciated by everyone. On hearing Maestro’s songs, one can feel certain emotions. This calls for scientific understanding between the mind and music. Skill development programmes, certification courses, and the design and analysis of musical instruments will be undertaken, says a release. A one-minute video of the center, proposed to be made of bamboo and complete with an amphitheatre, was played during the event.
In a related development, IIT Madras also plans to implement an artist quota in admissions. The director said that they are planning to introduce seats for artists under a special cultural quota in the coming years. “Like the sports quota, it will enable admissions of students who have excelled in the arts. We need to evolve a transparent process to evaluate excellence for this quota. I think it’s the right time to introduce such a quota,” he said.
