Research & Publications
Research & Publications
Carillon Chimes: A looming presence
The bells ringing out from the summit of the carillon tower at IRMA send out waves of hope, joy, and inspiration
The cotton grey tower ringing out AMUL Carillon Chimes stands tall at IRMA reminding us of Dr. Kurien's towering vision and personality. The only tower of its kind in the country (just like IRMA, the only institute of its kind in India), it is more than a monument, embodying excellence, achievement, and much more. When it was installed coinciding with the Institute's 23rd anniversary (December 14, 2002), the press release read, "...the sound of bells ringing from the height of carillon tower project hope, joy, inspiration, motivation and peace to communities world-wide..." To many IRMans the tower's soaring height is a reminder of the high level of achievement their institute has come to symbolise. The perfect coordination of the 18 clappers to create perfect music has come to represent the harmonious coordination between various systems and sub-systems giving way to perfect deliverance. Dr. Kurien firmly believed in the existence of bells at two places- religious and educational. The Carillon Chimes have anointed the landscaped beauty of IRMA's campus in that sense.
The history of the carillon goes back all the way to the 16th century, 1510 to be precise. This was in a townhall in Belgium where music was performed on its bells using a baton. Bell towers were used to sound the hour. The carillon's founders were the celebrated Hemony brothers, Francois and Pierre of France. They, along with the Dutch nobleman and musician Jacob van Eyck cast the carillon into a full-fledged musical instrument, which they fine-tuned to perfection.
The Amul Carillon Chimes span a series of 18 bells of various sizes manufactured at a Netherlands-based company which happens to be two centuries' old. Fashioned out of a special alloy these bells are attached to compressed hammers and linked to a computer. The musical scores played out by these bells can be heard at distances over a kilometre. They serve as a reminder of hope, aspiration, and integrity… also the fact that it was Dr. Kurien's parting gift to this great institution.