Musicians face fade-out

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After facing years of neglect, the voices that soothe aching hearts are hoarse crying for help and hands that create magic are stretching out in need of help. Musicians are putting forward a list of demands to the government before this year’s Union Budget. From demanding fiscal stimuli, to support for musical instrument makers’ cottage industry, development of world-class auditoriums and insurance for performers, those serving Indian art and culture are vociferously putting forth their demands.

Considering that except for well-known ones, artistes generally have a hard time managing sustenance (the reason why many art forms are fighting a battle to survive). Lending voice to the artistes’ cause is Durga Jasraj, chairperson of Culture Committee, ASSOCHAM and founder & director of Art & Artistes, who believes those serving the art deserve protection. She says, “Indian culture has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the East and West. We believe that crucial components of the ecosystem of cultural activities should be given much required support.”
Stressing on the necessity for government’s support for musicians, Abhay Kant Thakur, musicologist, avers, “Music had flourished in the past because it had royal patronage. The most famous exponent of Hindustani classical music — Tansen — had Akbar’s benefaction. And once the royal sponsorship ceased, classical music’s downfall began.”
Shubhendra Rao, renowned Sitar-exponent, laments, “There isn’t any kind of insurance for artistes in India; as long as you’re young and fit enough to earn you’re fine. There isn’t a single pension scheme. From whatever you earn you have to save and keep aside for the rainy day or in case there’s an accident and you’re incapacitated.”
Suggesting changes, he says, “There has to be a department/union or a body which would help older/ailing artistes. Also there is a need for lot more support from broadcast media. The National Programme of Music on DD isn’t of much help — the presentation has to be of 2011’s quality and not 1950. How do you expect to attract youngsters via sloppy production?”
Bringing to light the plight of intrument makers, Sanjay Rikhi Ram, the third generation of the famed Rikhi Ram family of instrument makers, avers, “We neither have the equipment, technology, infrastructure nor high-quality wood like the West. There is severe shortage of skilled craftsmen because they see no future in it. Musicians themselves face problems.”
Seconds Mithilesh Kumar Jha, tabla player, “Talent should be recognised by the government and those learning music must have a guarantee of livelihood.”
Seconds Thakur, “Like Right to Education (RTE), there should be free music classes at the grassroot level wherein kids are introduced to music and all intruments; those that have the talent can then be nurtured. SpicMacay’s small but brilliant effort in taking music to the masses has to be emulated by the government on a much larger scale and if music is to flourish like yesteryears, then the rulers will also have to patonise artistes like old times.”