Contemporary Indian rock bands are supporting social issues and causes through their music.
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Last Monday, over 500 people "" mostly youngsters "" swarmed Jantar Mantar to protest against the government's decision to curb the Right To Information act.
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No, there were no dharnas, no protests and no demonstrations. Far from it. Instead, youngsters assembled there to witness a rock show by Euphoria which, along with its music, showcased a special song "Janne ka haqq" (the right to know).
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The music band was invited by NGOs Parivartan and JOSH, who in turn used the band's presence to attract youngsters and educate them to be a part of the cause.
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Abhinandan, a volunteer from Parivartan, says, "It is ironical, a Magsasay award winner is on an indefinite hunger strike for the same cause, but the media only reports it when Euphoria performs."
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"But what's the harm?" frontman Palash Sen retorts, adding, "As a common citizen, if I feel strongly about an issue and get a chance to voice my opinion, why not act? Being a doctor, I reacted similarly when the anti-reservation strikes were on."
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Clearly, activism and music in India, like two musical notes, are completely in sync with one another. From AIDS awareness, to PETA campaigns, deforestation and anti-terrorism to educating the girl child... contemporary Indian bands and musicians are singing to support causes they strongly believe in.
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"Rock bands in the West have used music as a tool to talk about a range of issues. The Live8 show is the recent example of how music can support a cause," says Anirban, a member of rock band Orange Street, which has been involved with the anti-AIDS awareness campaign for a long time.
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Musicians like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and U2's Bono to name just a few, have composed dozens of anti-war songs. Neil Young recently recorded a new 10-track anti-war album that includes a song called, "Let's impeach the President."
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Interestingly, Rahul Ram of Indian Ocean had made a track condemning Bush's previous visit to India.
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"I don't want the world to clap and cheer me just because I've supported a cause," says Subir Malik of Parikrama, adding, "We keep a low profile and don't encash it when supporting social causes."
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Members of Parikrama are brand ambassadors of PETA and during the tsunami had adopted a village after they went to Vellor for a show and donated money. "It's an ongoing process. We give people a good time through our music and use our music as a platform for a cause," says Malik.
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But don't fans come only to have a good time? "So what? The Jantar Mantar show attracted crowds and even if four people there got our message, our work's done," says Sen, who has worked for a literacy mission, for the Special Olympics and for eradication of thallesemia, besides collaborating with bands like Orange Street and
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Friday the 13th for AIDS eradication. He says, "I don't charge for such shows, and in almost all shows I air my views on various issues including drug addiction."
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Malik, however, feels there are some who use this platform to boost their own image. "I know of some musicians who smiled at the cameras while donating money for tsunami," says Malik. "It was sickening," he adds.
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But for many other genuine rockers, music has found its good cause.
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CAUSE-MONGERS
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: Recently completed Haath Se Haath Mila as part of the AIDS awareness campaign in collaboration with Anu Malhotra.
Shubha Mudgal: Her album Mann Ke Manjire celebrated women's rights
Parikrama: Brand ambassadors of PETA, have raised issues of deforestation and anti-terrorism through songs like "Don't cut me down" and "But it rains"
Thermal and a Quarter: Written songs on drug abuse and addiction
Sonu Nigam: Composed a patriotic track that was released on Radio Mirchi
Free Spirit Entertainment: Composed "Spirit of Mumbai" sung by a clutch of playback singers including Shankar Mahadevan |
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