Free Music Education for Underprivileged Facilitating Revolutionary Social Transformation

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” – Victor Hugo

India is an ancient land of wisdom and presently, it is identified as the world’s largest democracy. The nation’s economy has striking prospect and as such, it is making impressive improvements on the aspect at a fast pace. However, still there are scores of individuals scattered throughout the length and breadth of this vast nation who live much below the poverty line and cannot afford

• Two square meals a day and
• Proper medical care during serious illnesses, etc.

Statistics reveal it is mostly the children from these acutely destitute families who – deprived of any proper opportunity in life – turn towards crime and other antisocial activities for a living, as and when they grow up. This is certainly tragic but at the same time is an undeniable fact. In this backdrop, a number of NGOs and cultural organizations, based in Kolkata, are working hand in hand to modify this grim picture. These organizations – as a part of their commitment towards the society – are arranging free music education for underprivileged, across various slums in the city.

Music is the most ideal medium of communication to connect to millions of souls at a time. Moreover, it is also the perfect therapy to

• Curb problems like acute isolation and
• Improve self esteem among individuals

In fact, all these factors, namely lacking opportunities, feeling isolated from the society and developing low self esteem are interrelated to each other. These factors when manage to get a strong grip on an individual, the unfortunate soul invariably gives up on life and turns a fugitive and cynic. In course of time, the individual gets involved into unlawful and immoral activities and eventually, bring harm to the society.

• Exposure to formal music is a great way to provide children with a way to express their minds.
• It is also an effective way to harness one’s social skills and bond with strangers.
• Moreover, it improves the level of consciousness and contributes to one’s both emotional and intellectual developments.

However, music education is undeniably an expensive affair. Formal exposure to music is a privilege that is available only to a lucky few. In this context it is more relevant to appreciate the collective and praiseworthy efforts of these music schools and Non Government Organizations of the city to bring about a revolutionary social transformation.

Social Transformation through Music and Serving the Mankind

Aspects such as job generation and providing livelihoods to people are exclusive responsibilities of statesmen and corporate leaders. In fact, these aspects are equally critical in the developed nations as are in developing nations like ours. However, every individual owe something to the society. There are people who just indulge themselves in pursuing material comfort and higher social position for themselves and their immediate family members and completely ignore the society. These people actually reveal the shallowness of their character and are somehow inappropriate to be considered as proper human beings.

The aspect of social transformation through music becomes relevant in the above context. Music is undoubtedly one of the most sublime ways through which one actually interacts with one’s innermost soul. In fact, almost in all ancient religions and societies music has been considered as the medium to interact with the Divinity. Thus, every child should be exposed to one kind of music education or the other as early as possible. It helps them grow into mature and ideal human individuals. However, musical education is exorbitantly costly. There are scores of families in our country who

• Cannot afford two square meals a day
• Have no proper roof above their head and
• Are deprived of proper medical care during sickness

Thus, providing their wards with musical training is simply impossible for these families. Statistics reveal children from destitute families often suffer from

• Low self esteem and
• Acute isolation

To make the situation worse, opportunities knock on their doors pretty seldom. These factors either lead them to the path of crime or they turn into drug addicts. 

There are several premier music schools in collaboration with some renowned NGOs who are trying their best to improve this gloomy picture. These organizations are offering free music training in various slums. This effort is truly commendable as it proves effective in bringing back those unfortunate little ones from both social and mental isolations.