Dikishitar and English tunes

Many of us are aware that Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar was a distinguished composer in Carnatic Music. I had read before that he was also trained in Hindustani Music, and he brought many Hindustani ragas and style to Carnatic Music through his compositions. I was surprised to read in this news article in The Hindu, that his compositions were also influenced by English tunes, thanks to Mr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran who has done a splendid job providing such insight.