The denial of venue from Kalakshetra Foundation has made Carnatic vocalist T.M.Krishna's 'just a book launch' into one of the most important and talkative book launches in Chennai after the event at the Asian College of Journalism had the presence of large crowds and political leaders.

The launch of Krishna's book titled "Sebastian and Sons: A Brief History of Mrdangam Makers" was earlier scheduled to host by the auditorium of Kalakshetra Foundation but at the last minute, the foundation had canceled the event by citing that the organization cannot allow any programme that may instigate political, cultural, and social disharmony and the decision of the Kalakshetra Foundation had spurred up the controversy in Tamil Nadu for allegedly belittling the book launch that largely speaks about Dalit Christian Mrdangam makers. The reports say that the book touches upon how Carnatic music is dominated by Brahmins but the makers of Mrdangam, one of the percussion instruments of Carnatic music, are Dalits. It also addresses how Brahmins, who worship the cow, can still use the Mrdangam made of cow skins.

Kalakshetra Foundation is the autonomous arts and cultural academy that functions under Union Ministry of Culture, Government of India and the academy is chaired by former Cheif Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, who is also the president of RSS-affiliated Vivekananda Educational Society which runs schools and educational institutions in Chennai.

In a letter addressed to the Westland Publication, which publishes the book, the foundation said that the book contains certain excerpts that touch controversial issues and it has a lot of political overtones. The last-minute cancellation had brought condemnations against Kalakshetra Foundation from the state political leaders where VCK Chief Thirumavalavan said that Kalakshetra humiliates not just T.M.Krishna but Dalits too and stated that his book has nothing controversial but throws light on what exists in the society.

Amid the developments, the book launch was held in the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai on Sunday and the book was released by Thirumavalan. While addressing the book launch, Thirumavalavan said that it was proof that the country was being ruled by those who had faith in 'Manu Dharma' and stated that the author had put the light on the mrdangam makers not to show pity on them but to ensure democratization in society.

Thirumavalan reiterated that the prevailing contradictions and confrontations in the society can only be reduced by Democratization and it would cement the way for better understanding between various sections. He underlined the request of the mrdangam makers on getting the support, consideration, and recognition from the government and pointing himself as Dalit, he said that the mrdangam instrument is allowed into Pooja room but he won't be allowed.

T.M.Krishna has brought the mrdangam makers from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to the venue and released the book in their presence. In his address, Krishna said that he was not sure about how this book would change the lives of the makers. He stated that the book would serve the purpose if it raises and sparkles questions in the reader's mind. Writer Rajmohan Gandhi had received the first copy of the book and he said that the book was remarkable and path-breaking in capturing the hierarchical Indian society. Gandhi added that Krishna has captured the relationship between the top and bottom layers. 

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and reputed journalist Hindu Ram were present at the event. Earlier, Chidambaram had urged the book and music lovers to gather in large numbers at the Asian College of Journalism to stand up against the institutional capture of Kalakshetra.