The director of IIT Madras has publicly announced that the institute is preparing to introduce a new B.Tech curriculum that blends music with mathematics. This announcement was made public at the Margazhi Maha Utsavam organised by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Mylapore. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi presided over the event. Kamakoti emphasised the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage from a young age, adding that traditional knowledge and creativity form the foundation of holistic education.
This initiative is taken for the students to promote Indian Classical Music with technology. Seven such students have already joined through this initiative. He said the programme enables artists from traditional backgrounds to pursue engineering, creating a bridge between art and science. Kamakoti also encouraged parents to introduce their children to music, noting that it fosters imagination and personal development.
Expanding Opportunities and Research
At the event he said, “It is because mathematics is mixed with Carnatic music that we never get bored no matter how much we listen to music”. The Director later discussed with the press that the curriculum is about to complete and will be launched for students soon. He highlighted the intrinsic connection between melody and mathematical structure. Other ongoing cultural initiatives at IIT Madras include the establishment of a research centre named after Ilaiyaraaja and the construction of a 100-seat auditorium.
The institute has currently set aside 36 seats under its Music and Culture category, and discussions are in progress to extend such options to more IITs.
