The Hindu : `Classical music has therapeutic value'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 07, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

`Classical music has therapeutic value'

By Our Staff Correspondent

Manipal Jan. 6. B.M. Hegde, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, said here on Sunday that Indian classical music had therapeutic value. He was speaking after inaugurating a charity classical music concert for child welfare organised by the Lions Club.

Prof. Hegde said a study was being conducted in the West on how music modified human genes. A molecular biology study in the U.S. had revealed that music had a therapeutic effect even on plants. When plants were exposed to Sitar recital by Pandit Ravi Shankar, they showed good growth. When rock music was played, they wilted. This proved the efficacy of Indian music over Western music. Unfortunately, the youth had failed to understand the value of Indian classical music. They were swayed by Western music.

He said such as tragedy had befallen Indian classical music as it was not being marketed properly. In the West, marketing of music was given importance.

The budget of the music advertising industry there was very high. But in India, musicians, who followed old values, believed that they should not go in search of fame or money. Indian classical music had a soothing effect on the mind and health. It helped bring down blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Prof. Hegde lauded the club for organising the concert for charitable purposes such as helping children fight diseases and giving donations to the Blind Children's School in Shimoga. By donating for a cause, people rendered a great help to society.

S. Parmeshwara Bhat, senior artiste, was felicitated on the occasion. The Mysore brothers, Mysore Manjunath and Mysore Nagaraj, rendered a classical violin duet.

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