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Ustad Amjad Ali Khan: Our education can’t create compassion in a human being
Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan is disturbed by the fact that today’s education system can’t create kindness in people.
Along with academic circles, the turmoil in Ramjas College, Delhi University has affected many from the cultural circuit as well. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, sarod exponent, laments over the fact that education is now on a downslide. “Unfortunately, the politics has become a profession and politicians for their own vested interest are ruining the life of students. This is what the world is watching. We are all watching what is happening in universities – in JNU, Gujarat, Maharashtra and wherever it’s happening now,” he says.
The maestro is appalled at how the educated world is now resorting to violence as well. “Especially in this 21st century, when we are boasting about our education, our achievements, with all due respect to education, I think our education can’t create compassion and kindness in a human being. Otherwise, how is it that today PhD has become radical? How have educated people become inhuman and unkind? I think there’s some basic problem in the education system of the whole world and schools and colleges have become and industry. I feel very sad that even in this 21st century people are still killing each other on account of religion. I feel very disturbed, as a musician and an artiste.”
It is essential for artistes to be kind, feels Khan. It’s this humane nature that often compels him to perform for the unprivileged and unhealthy section of society. His upcoming performance will be for the concert by Indian Cancer Society. “I feel honoured and happy to serve society and people who need my help. I have played in so many blind schools in my life and that has been my best audience. Their world is sound and their applause is really the blessing of my life. The sound of symphony , sarod, violin or cello –is the pure form of music. Because language creates barriers, but music breaks them. ”
It’s sarod which is his connection with the outside world and it’s music that keeps him young and healthy. “My father, who was my guru, taught me not only music, but the way of life. He tried to convey to all of us, that we have a common God and common race. Ek hi shakti hai jo lati hai duniya mein aur le jaati hai. Unfortunately, no priest of any religion is conveying this message today because every priest is a paid servant, is getting his salary and has a hidden agenda.”