He is getting ready for the launch of his new book on the history of mridangam makers, Sebastian & Sons. He is also getting ready for a concert, while meeting deadlines for columns he writes for various news publications. But that is the manner of T.M. Krishna. The man is simultaneously a leading Carnatic vocalist, a prolific writer and a citizen committed to social justice. He is one artiste who engages deeply not just with art, but its entire ecosystem. Although known primarily for his atypical musical collaborations and performances, his equal ardour for activism was acknowledged when he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2016. In this exclusive interview with Urmi Chanda-Vaz, he speaks about his new book, his art and his many motivations.