Music that heals

Alok Kumar Verma, IPS, Director General (Tihar Jail), New Delhi has taken a new initiative for the prison inmates to augment their rehabilitation process by introducing Morning Ragas in collaboration with Legends of India. Beginning on April 27, Morning Ragas was introduced with great enthusiasm and fanfare. Internationally acclaimed flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar performed on the inaugural occasion in the presence of almost 2000 inmates. Pt. Ronu Majumdar, Grammy nominee and a Guinness Book of World Record holder began his recital with Ahir Bhairav, followed by a Pahari dhun and two popular compositions Gadhiji’s Vaishnavi Jan.. and Tagore’s Ekla Chalo. He was accompanied by Kalpesh Sachala on the flute and Ustad Akram Khan on the table. The subtle nuances of the flute, a rhythmic jugalbandi between the flute and the tabla mesmerised the prison inmates to the extent that they not only joined the chorus but some of the inmates later expressed their desire to learn music in prison. Coaching classes in the prison will be soon introduced at the earliest.

This musical concert has added a new chapter in the history of Delhi Prison. The event will be held every month. The purpose of conducting the Morning Ragas with sessions of sublime music is to release the inmates from the tyranny of conscious thought. Music is one of the best solutions to such problems. It heals and raises you. Music directly deals with the root causes of crime, violence, and addiction and offers a practical approach to emotional growth. “Our efforts shall help inmates guide themselves bringing in positivity into their lives and to rejuvenate them” said  Alok Kumar Verma. It is anticipated that this would have a hugely beneficial effect on the inmates since the spiritual and emotional effects of music in human transformation are well known.