Renowned flautist Padmavibhushan Hariprasad Chaurasia has said that music should be made mandatory in schools.
"This will inculcate a culture of music and create good listeners even if not all become good musicians," Chaurasia said. The noted flautist was speaking on the sidelines of the programme "Arghya" – the flute melody, organised by Flute Foundation and Responsible Art organistations in Nashik on Tuesday to create awareness on 'Save water, save life.'
Chaurasia said that currently many youngsters are drawn to western music culture, and there is a need to introduce them to Indian music.
Regarding the theme of the programme, which was related to environment, the noted flautist said that nature's cycle is changing. "We need to make attempts to preserve the environment and realise its importance," he said.
He pressed on the fact that in the current scenario musicians are not respected. "Earlier, artists were given due respect, and All India Radio artists were acknowledged properly even with a good honorarium. Today, the government has stopped appointing artists to All India Radio and this needs to change," Chaurasia said.
When asked about artists returning awards, Chaurasia refused to comment. "Governments keep changing, however, this is not my field, and not for me to comment on," he said.
Later in the programme, Chaurasia presented raga Bhupali, Bhatiyali and Desh on the flute. The melody on the flute by the maestro filled the environment and kept the audience mesmerised.
Hariprasad Chaurasia was accompanied by his son Pt Rakesh on the flute, and Pt Satyajit Talwalkar on the tabla.
However, the audience turnout was low as the programme coincided with Diwali.
