Classical music should be taught right from the kindergarden: Ravi Shankar

NOIDA - Classical music should be taught right from kindergarden to develop appreciation for good music amongst youth”, remarked Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar during his lecture at Amity University”

“Music be it western or eastern is a cluster of musical notes, which could be peaceful, romantic or devotional. Music has different facets ranging from classical to more popular ones. It can be for various occasions. If one does yoga or meditation one would like to hear soft and soothing music which helps one to be spiritual. In Shashtras, the nine rasas are explained beautifully through various forms of art including music” were the words of living legend of music, Pandit Ravi Shankar who very impressively outlined the beauty and transcendental effect of music during a lecture on “Music and Peace” organized by The Global Economic Forum (TGEF) at the Amity University Campus, Noida.

He urged, “Music needs good understanding so right from the kinder garden level, the children should be taught classical music , which would develop natural love and liking for classical music in them. The appreciation for good music will have special effect on them.” Dwelling on the future of classical music, which he feared was bleak some years ago, Pandit Ravi Shankar said with so many young, bright and spirited musicians in India especially in southern India, the future of Indian classical music is very bright.

Pandit Ravi Shankar was accompanied by his wife Ms. Sukanya Shankar. A film on Pandit Ravi Shankar’s life was screened on the occasion. His troupe which comprised of international students mesmerized the audience by playing a fresh composition of his called ‘Peace’ which he especially composed for the occasion.

Pandit Ravi Shankar was greeted by Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Group; Ambassador Surendra Kumar, Director General, The Global Economic Forum; Vice Chancellor Major General K.J. Singh, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh and senior officials of Amity University.

Welcoming the musical legend, Dr. Chauhan said that it is a historical moment for all Amitians who have been blessed with the presence of such a great personality, who has no parallel in the entire fraternity of classical music exponents.

While delivering keynote address, Ambassador Surendra Kumar, Director General, The Global Economic Forum, highlighted the immense service Pandit Ravi Shankar is doing for the humanity by propagating peace, love and affection wrapped in music across the world.

Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan; Dr. (Mrs.) Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity International Schools and Mrs. Pooja Chauhan- Vice Chairperson, Amity Humanity Foundation felicitated Pandit Ravi Shankar with Amity Platinum Award as a token of respect, adoration for his life time achievement which was followed by a question answer session. (ANI)