(TW) #CarnaticMeToo
Chinmayi Sripaada, who has been an outspoken critic of sexual misconduct in the movie music industry, opens her Twitter direct messages for victims to share stories about Carnatic musicians; #CarnaticMeToo begins trending.

An open letter to the Carnatic music community demanding a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment from organizers and artists is written.

The letter eventually garners 500+ signatures by members of the Carnatic music community.

A private letter with 80+ signatures is sent to the Cleveland Aradhana Committee, urging “zero tolerance” of sexual abuse; a process for registering and adjudicating complaints; a vetting process for incoming musicians; and removal of musicians with credible allegations from the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana.

The Committee vouches to look into these cases and releases a code of conduct clarifying their position.

Open Forum - Activist Swarnamalya Ganesh & Ek Potlee RetKi host an open forum to address instances of sexual harassment in the Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam spaces.

A Carnatic MeToo Collective Facebook page (>1000 likes) is launched to streamline communications about these issues.

The Madras Music Academy removes all artists accused from their December season line up.

The Federation of Sabhas announces that it plans to launch an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

The Global Carnatic Musicians Association (GCMA) launches.
Loosely defined as a union of artists, the organization projects itself as a means of protecting all artists and members.

Sudha Raghunathan is announced as president, yet is a member of the ICC, raising questions as to conflicts of interest.

K. Harishankar (the ICC secretary) states that no one has come forward to the ICC; however, the formal procedure for victims to file complaints is not yet published.

The ICC formally publishes its policy.
K. Harishankar stands by his previous statement that no victims have come forward.

Cleveland 2020 Festival

Concert line-up is released with alleged perpetrators featured (other festivals/concerts also feature the accused without comment).

CUSP Festival hosts a panel discussion related to Carnatic #MeToo.

All in-person events indefinitely postponed due to COVID-19.

Founders Janani & Neha begin ideating what is now CAREspaces. A multi-disciplinary team of volunteers come together.

CAREspaces community launch

(CW) Hindustani Music #metoo:
Prominent Dhrupad musicians Ramakant and Akhilesh Gundecha accused of sexual misconduct; students and community members demand an independent investigation.