Vol. 58 No. 31 • February 21, 2017

It is almost impossible to find someone who doesn’t feel a strong connect to music. Not everyone can sing or play an instrument, but most of us can probably reel off a list of songs that often make us feel happy even after a bad day.

No wonder a Greek philosopher once said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, fl ight to the imagination and life to everything.” I can’t agree more. As a doctor, I have seen music ‘therapy’ calm anxiety and ease pain in patients. It provides a pleasant diversion during chemotherapy or a hospital stay. Music has the power to manage negative emotions such as stress and has proven benefits in relaxing muscular and psychological tension.

Ever wondered why a lullaby soothes a new born, a sad song consoles the grieving, a happy song evokes happy memories and a patriotic song like ‘Aye mere watan ke logon’ moves most of us to tears? Isn’t it wonderful that music touches our hearts? In fact, some studies even indicate that music affects foetal brain development. Garbha sanskar music, Mozart, have all been associated with a number of benefits for both mothers and babies.

Talking about children, there is an interesting research that suggests that children who are exposed to music achieve good results in academics. That just brings a thought to my mind. What if our children at Bhavishya Yaan get an opportunity to learn music? I am sure there would be many who would love to learn music. Couldn’t we Rotarians fulfill their wish?

Just donate some money or an old music instrument like a Guitar, Drums, Harmonium or a Tabla. Once the instruments are in place, we can appoint qualified music teachers to train the students. Tying up with the Shankar Mahadevan Academy could be a good idea. Let’s breathe new life into old music and bring some music back into the life of our youth.