Sad that people talk about building temples, mosques even

Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan says it is sad that education has failed to make people empathic towards each other and unfortunately some still talk about building temples and mosques in these times.

When asked if the Indian diaspora is more of a cultural anchor of the past, Khan says they do play an important role in that but can be "radical" despite being highly educated.

"I feel very sad to see, whether they are the diaspora or the educated Indian people, that they are still going on building temples and mosques. Some diaspora feel emotionally connected to our culture and tradition but some NRIs are very radical. They are highly educated.
 

I feel sad that education couldn't create compassion and kindness in human beings. How can a PhD be radical, be communal? It's not only limited to our country but all over the world. We are suffering because of this hatred towards each other."

Khan was speaking at the launch of his book 'Master on Masters' in which he has payed tribute to the greatest icons of Indian classical music.

The sarod maestro also stressed that people have become intolerant today, something which can be tracked down to a faulty education system.

"Why have we become so intolerant? My father often said to achieve your goal in life, you have to be patient and tolerant. These things are prayers in themselves. So then why are we becoming intolerant? Today human being has become the most ferocious animal.

"Everybody is shouting, there is arrogance. This is the unfortunate part of our system. There is something wrong in our school teachings. They must create a class where students don't have to carry books but learn important virtues of love, kindness..."

Khan's book chronicles the lives and times of some of the greatest icons of Indian classical music.

Twelve eminent musicians of the twentieth century that are featured in the book are: Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Begum Akhtar, Alla Rakha, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kumar Gandharva, M S Subbulakshmi, Bhimsen Joshi, Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan and Kishan Maharaj.