Striking right note

Thankfully, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has only urged, and not directed, Indian airlines and operators to play ‘Indian music’ on board aircraft and airport premises, though there is every likelihood of the request being accepted in double quick time, and only this form of music being played eventually. The letter cites a memorandum by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which has defined what kind of ‘Indian music’ it wants to be made mandatory: classical or light vocal and instrumental. It is creditable that the ICCR is taking its job seriously and feels duty-bound to do its bit, but the unusual request does strike a disconcerting note of misplaced priorities.

Music — in all its streams and languages — denotes devotion that runs deep in the country, is much valued, cherished and invested with a passion that transcends every conceivable barrier. ‘Indian music’ is the foundation, and resides in it all. Patronage is a welcome idea, imposing the choice of music is not. The primary focus, at this point in time, should be to go all out in taking care of the numerous artistes who have suffered and the institutions, big and small, which are struggling because of the pandemic. With no shows or musical festivals, no guru-shishya classes and patrons withdrawing funds, the past two years have been terrible. What is also required is state intervention to ensure dignified remuneration to artistes in the sunset years.

It’s been 25 years since the music shows on television spawned a new era, recognising and promoting the various traditional forms and the masters, besides providing opportunities like never before to unheralded artistes and fresh talent. An advisory to include ‘Indian music’ in the vast repertoire of the airline playlist would make more sense. A popular or a timeless Hindi film song, an English hit, or the mesmerising shehnai performance by Ustad Bismillah Khan — why leave out any one at the cost of the other? Sing along or don’t, but let the music play.