THE RHYTHM OF CHANGE IN KASHMIR
Music has always been known to transcend boundaries, used for various forms of expression, to release pent up emotions voice thoughts & opinions and even for activism. It has been used to sally troops to battle and even instill patriotism. One of the most successful contemporary rock bands in Britain Radiohead become famous for expending their horizons and evolving into a socio-political band lending their support to organizations such as Friends of the Earth & Green Party. Radiohead can thus be defined as an activist band.
Music has always been part of Kashmiris cultural heritage, the region’s rich musical legacy includes folk ballads, Sufiyanah & devotional songs, a tradition which suffered a sharp decline owing to the turbulent 1990s & increasing acceptance of hardline Islamism which condemned music
But throughout the years there has been emergence of artists with stories to tell. In 2000s, paramilitary forces began sponsoring music events such as the annual Battle of the Bands which catapulted into spotlight when Pragaash Kashmiri’s first & only all female rockband won an award Pragaash was disbanded less than 3 months later because of social media slander and Fatwta against it by a local cleric.
Enter a new generation of young artists from the valley who want to avoid the trappings of mainstream music. They do not aspire for record deals, they are happy being independent producing songs that are intensely personal with lyrics that articulate the angst of living in a conflict zone and the growing need and desire for peace.
In order to engage with the youth of the Kashmir Valley, the Indian Army is doubling it’s efforts by organizing music festivals and talent hunts to showcase & promote the youth of Kashmir on a national scale. Events such as the ‘Jashne –e- Hunar’ organized by the JAK LI Regt, The Chillai Kalan music festival at Shopian and the recently concluded Talent Hunt & music show ‘ Shaurya’ at Srinagar saw a plethora of budding musicians and artists come together and spread the message of peace through their music.
This interactive and participative approach by the Indian Army has helped the youth gain more exposure and even fostered a sense of trust and respect amongst the local populace which was previously filled with apprehension and animosity . The sense of belonging and peaceful coexistence has emerged as a major thing in the music of the next generation, tired of living in angst and desperately seeking peace & semblance in their lives.
The music is strong reminder of where they have been and also a beacon of where they wish to go and with each generation accepting and imbibing the musical culture of Kashmir it is safe to say there has definitely come about a drastic and urgent ‘ Rhythm of Change in Kashmir’
