When music becomes a medium of instruction

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 21

Music for him is a medium to teach students. Every time Karamjit Grewal, a school teacher, releases a video track of his songs, he gets a swift feedback from students, many of whom have not met him and, who know him only through his numbers.

In the past one decade, he has released around 45 tracks. Almost all these tracks teach Punjabi alphabet and grammar and discuss values of life, besides social and civic issues. His track on traffic rules has received more than 6.5 lakh views.

Grewal’s style is friendly and approachable. Besides, children find it appealing. He does not mind using humour to drive home the lesson all the while letting music take the centre stage.

“Music never fails us. We relate to music very easily. Youngsters particularly find it engaging,” he says.

“Music helps us memorise lessons. When we hum any song, we are compelled to think about it. At the most basic level, we become perceptive to what the song says. At the deeper level, we imbibe its meaning,” adds Grewal.

He is a favourite with the NRIs, who find his video tracks a convenient way to teach their children the basics of the language and provides them glimpses of the Punjabi way of life.

Each video track costs around Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000. Grewal spends from his pocket. His friends and well-wishers chip in with their bit. He writes lyrics and sings songs. He can also be seen in videos.

“For me these video tracks are a way of reaching out to children. The teacher in me finds fulfillment when students learn without any anxiety. The poet (in me) is happy to share his poetry. And the singer is satisfied that his song has found a willing ear,” says Grewal.

Recently, Grewal’s joy knew no bounds when a father asked his child to sing a song and the little one started off with one of the tracks he had penned.