A New Dimension to the Indian Education System

“Music is moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything”- Plato. Music is the natural progression from the resolute pace of rhythm. Of all the primary arts, none can be as ethereal as music. Its mysteriousness makes music one of the most popular art forms. Music possesses Godly power and paves the way towards salvation. Whatever language it may be in, music is an expression of the emotions of every living being. We need to open our senses to feel the music that is spread in every corner of the world. The language may be different, but the feel in music is one and the same. In the ancient times, before the evolution of the spoken language, people used to communicate with each other through sound waves. When these sound waves are synchronized in a rhythmical manner, music takes birth.

Music floats like the wind in every corner of our colorful country, India. It is said that the origin of Indian music dates back to the Vedas. Raga in Indian music consists of Dhwani (tune), Swara (notes) and Varna (form), which together colors or beautifies our minds. The Indian music is enriched with classical and folk traditions contributed by different cultures from time to time.  It is believed that different Ragas in Indian music have miraculous powers. They have the power to inflame fire on water, can shower rain and do many other miracles. In ancient India, the Gurus used to employ this power of music to impart education in the Gurukuls. Music formed an integral part of ancient Indian education system. The Sishyas (students) in the Gurukul were given musical wisdom in those days. The transfer of musical tradition through the oral system between Guru and Shishya is illustrative of how deeply personalized music was to our culture.

 According to research, music education before the age of seven has been shown to have lasting effect on a child’s intelligence. Elementary music education, in that sense, is paramount. Music is the natural mood of expression for a child. If one notices little children playing, very often one can see them making up their own songs and tunes in which they are absolutely immersed unaware of the sounds being created.  Modern day schools are also emphasizing on the importance of music and are imparting music education in the syllabus of the school. It has been noticed that kids who practice their instruments everyday develop good organizational skills. Moreover, music can help a child who doesn’t excel academically build self confidence from within. Behavioral studies have also proved that children associated with music are less likely to participate in activities of violence, substance abuse and adjust better to issues of authority. Music even benefits the school because it leads to the full development of an individual, which is the prime goal of education. Now the time has come for the educationists in India to realize the potency of music and take that final step to integrate it into our education system.