Why do you listen to music? Just for entertainment, right? And for some, it is just about killing time. But Indian music is far more evolved. It goes beyond entertainment and plays a big role in the improvement of mental health. This is why PM Modi wants to popularise Indian music and take it to the world at large.
PM Modi’s push for music-based startups
Speaking at an online event organised for launching the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation on the 92nd birth anniversary of the classical vocalist, PM Modi made a call for popularizing Indian music on a global scale.
The Prime Minister has urged people to infuse technology in music and set up music-based startups.
He said, “My request to the cultural foundation is that it should focus on two things specifically. We hear about globalisation but its definitions and talk surrounding it is centred around the economy. In today’s times of globalisation, it is our responsibility that Indian music makes its mark and has an influence globally.”
PM Modi wants the world to realise the depth of Indian music
The Prime Minister also said, “Indian music has the capacity to revolutionise the depth of the human mind. It also strengthens the experience of the oneness of nature and the divine.”
Indian classical music actually has a long history of evolution with vedic roots, which takes it deep into the realm of human conscience.
In a world where over 280 million are currently affected by depression, classical music can go a long way in helping the world combat mental health problems. Mumbai-based life coach and counsellor Dr Punit Patel said, “Indian classical music is in every way a medicine for the mind and herb for the heart.”
Dr Patel added, “As I play a piece of classical music, depending on what vibes with a patient, I find patients easing; their ego melts and receptivity rises instantly. And once they begin to share their truth, it is a hundred times clearer, concise, and quite honestly, correct. They are able to perceive themselves neutrally and accept life. Today, my sessions comprise 15 minutes of listening to music and 30 minutes of talking.”
PM Modi, who reaffirms India’s role as a cultural and responsible power, believes that the human civilisation has a right to access Indian music for its overall betterment.
Technology infusion in Indian music
PM Modi said, “My second suggestion is that when there is an effect of technology on every aspect of life then there should be a revolution of technology and IT in the music sector as well.”
This is why the Prime Minister wants youth to establish startups dedicated to Indian musical instruments and traditions. He added, “Our guru-shishya tradition should be maintained but there should be value addition through technology.”
The thing with Indian classical music is that while it has mental health and spiritual benefits, it is intricate and understanding it requires knowledge of technicalities, system and style of presentation.
This is why technology infusion becomes important. The use of technology has radically simplified many human activities. It can also make understanding of Indian classical music easier for other countries where access to trained gurus may not be possible. After all, the point is to ensure that Indian ragas reach everywhere.
PM Modi is a global icon and a proud ambassador of Indian civilisation. And he is representing another facet of Indian cultural heritage yet again.