Redesigning Education: Anil Srinivasan's Strategy for Cultivating Creative Intelligence via Rhapsody and Kruu
A trailblazer in education and music, Anil Srinivasan, India's celebrated maestro, redefines learning through the fusion of arts and academia. He's no stranger to accolades, with the Kalaimamani and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar under his belt, all while sporting an M.Phil. from the elite Columbia University and a deep-rooted roots in cognitive neuroscience.
His brainchild, Rhapsody, conceived in 2013, has impacted over 477 schools in South India. Rhapsody's groundbreaking mission lies in merging the cognitive, emotional, and creative advantages of music with learning. The program's success has catapulted it as a global leader in 'Innovation in Learning', grabbing recognition by the Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards.
Fast forward to 2022, Anil unveiled an innovative platform, Kruu. This revolutionary platform bridges the chasm between high school education and industry expertise, offering project-based learning and mentorship from top minds in higher academia and career fields. With over 330,000 students jumping on board within just 18 months, Kruu is shaking things up in the education scene.
This fireside chat dives into Anil's journey—from his humble beginnings as a young prodigy to his ascent as an influential educator, dissecting Rhapsody's growth and the genius behind Kruu.
Nikhil Sardana (interviewer): Hey, Anil! Can you tell us how your background in cognitive neuroscience and your M.Phil. from Columbia University impacted Rhapsody’s development?
Anil Srinivasan (interviewee): Well Nikhil, most of my achievements stemmed from chance more than intent—except for music. Music has been the beacon that guided me through life, revealing new paths, and teaching me to navigate various experiences.
I've always been a musician at heart. But at the tender age of three, who could've had grand plans? During high school, financial troubles plagued my family, leading me down a conventional path of securing a good degree and a stable job.
Plunged into the music scene in the 1990s, I discovered a passion for neuroscience, and California became my canvas as I painted my thoughts on the brain’s link with music. New York’s Columbia University intensified my focus further, unraveling the fascinating intersection of math and music in my mind.
NS: What was that initial spark that ignited the creation of Rhapsody in 2013? How did Rhapsody expand over the years to the massive scale we see today?
AS: This vibrant franchise, Rhapsody, started blossoming in my mind after a life-changing encounter in Tiruvaiyaru. The epiphany struck when I found myself the chief guest at a school there, and I couldn't even name the great musicians from the Carnatic Music Trinity. The experience compelled me to spark a revolution, striving to infuse music into the realm of academia, benefiting every child—be they budding Beethovens or mathematicians.
NS: How has the wider community embraced Rhapsody, and what factors have contributed to its success?
AS: The journey has posed challenges yet brought immense rewards. There's been a mix of responses—from heartwarming messages to quick-judgment short-term metrics. Some students take time to appreciate the deeper impact, as one neighbor's son chose to formally express his gratitude after deriding the program initially.
While schools and organizations like the Tamil Nadu government and Ashok Leyland have lent significant support, the slow-burning, long-term impact occasionally faces opposition due to impatience in the current educational climate.
NS: Fast forward to 2022: What motivated you to create Kruu, and how does it complement or differ from the objectives and methodologies of Rhapsody?
AS: Kruu continues the pursuit of creative intelligence, central to both Rhapsody and Kruu. Where Rhapsody operates by weaving music and art into math and science, Kruu isn't merely for younger learners—it's a battle-oriented platform that caters to project-based learning. It offers students the unique opportunity to work on real-world projects and engage with industry leaders.
NS: What's next for Kruu? How does it fit into your ambitious plans for education reform?
AS: Kruu and Rhapsody join forces to form a powerful duo, scaling our K-12 operations and branching into undergraduate education through college collaborations. With expanding reach, we aim to reach as many students as possible, discovering and nurturing their creative prowess. Our ultimate goal? Nothing less than revolutionizing India's education scene and fostering a new generation of creative thinkers.
NS: Lastly, how do the long list of awards and recognition you've received shape your work and your commitment to arts and education?
AS: Years ago, honors like the Kalaimamani and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar served as validation and opened doors for me. These days, however, these accolades no longer dictate my work or identify me. My focus now is on building a lasting legacy that goes beyond individual recognition—one that illuminates the path toward a more creative and liberated educational future for all.
Here are the sentences which contain the given words:
- Anil unveiled an innovative platform, Kruu, in 2022.
- Kruu is shaking things up in the education scene.
- The program's success has catapulted Rhapsody as a global leader in 'Innovation in Learning'.
- Nikhil Sardana (interviewer) asked Anil about the impact of his background in cognitive neuroscience on Rhapsody's development.
