WAR CRY EVERYWHERE: Should We Turn To Song, Dance & Music?

by Alok K. Shrivastava, IAS (R)Apr 5, 2026Welfare0 comments

War news, war talks & signs of mass destruction everywhere have kept us busy, engaged, glued and engrossed for five weeks NOW. Are hints of 3rd World War being given?

Earlier, for over four years, these were emanating with a bang from the never-ending Russia-Ukraine clashes, if not War. Soon we saw with pain and helplessness, the short and long period clashes in Syria, parts of West Asia and a full-fledged eleven-day war (w.e.f.June 12), PRECURSOR to the ongoing high-tech and senseless war involving U.S.-Israel combine versus Iran, that seems never-ending.

At this stage, one can not ignore hits and misses involving Mossad, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Last named dreaded outfit is a long-time partner of Somali Sea Pirates in attacking & blocking vital sea routes for a hefty ransom. These have been long-lasting and much grimmer than the embargo or dilemma at the Strait of Hormuz.

Not to be forgotten is also uncalled for kidnapping of President Maduro of Venezuela & undesirable tension over bid to capture Panama, Cuba, Columbia and quiet & bountiful Greenland.

TAKING A CUE

Shall we not take a turn, divert if not drift attention from clashes, skirmishes and wars and look at more mundane/ basic human issues, such as Health, Education and Culture?

Should we not follow that with revival of interest in Song, Dance & Music as an Ultimate Stress Buster?

Apart from the revival of faith & interest in ancient systems of teaching and treatment in our own country, it is gratifying to note that people in the West have begun reposing faith in” transformation of passive observation into active inquiry and how visualization can precede conceptual insight “. Accordingly, Botany students of Cambridge University are now learning from ink drawings and water illustrations of John S.Henslow, mentor of Darwin.

Another development to note is the initiative taken by the second Lady of the USA, Usha Vance, to increase child literacy rates and encourage reading among kids as only 31% of 4th & 8th grade students in the USA were found proficient in reading. Reviving such an interest at cutting edge would go a long way.

In India too, a number of programmes to introduce reforms in the domain of education and health are going on, but I.T. part therein needs to be delinked or reduced.

SUCH STEPS SHOULD KEEP STUDENTS AWAY FROM CELL PHONES & INTERNET. IT IS BOUND TO BREED POSITIVITY, APART FROM INCULCATING GOOD VALUES & BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS.

Needless to say, in our metros and other big urban centres, we DO NOT see children reading or reading loudly as we were doing when we would be in School. E-learning, Study & Work from Home, avoiding games, etc., are not only spoiling us but are already increasing our distance from neighbours & relatives.

IT IS TIME TO THINK & ACT SERIOUSLY!

It is felt that rekindling interest in Cultural activities may not cost us a Penny as it would be available within the home/ neighbourhood. Instead, it has the propensity to enable us to Relax,Think & Meditate.

Ultimately, we can focus on our vocations and hobbies with more vigour & vitality.

CHARM OF RANGOLI

This excellent TV programme of over 40 year standing presented with care and caution by D.D. National reminds us of the dictum ‘Old is Gold’. In tune thereof, one is tempted to talk about, if not comment profusely on RANGOLI, a song-based programme to rekindle, revive and sustain interest in songs picturized in Hindi films, especially from the bygone era. One is talking about songs that dealt in equal measure with emotions, mystery and mythology on the one hand and fun, fantasy and reality on the other. A few, in addition, would religiously promote tenets of patriotism also in the struggling young nation.

At the very outset, this hour-long capsule, telecast once a week on Sunday, would have cream of unforgettable numbers from old films, mostly of Black & White (B&W) phase. Songs would not only be carefully chosen in tune with a particular theme, occasion or festival, but they would also be anchored well. Sometimes, by well-established starlets, having an effective screen presence. Audience/ viewers, as a result, would get a sense of natural involvement, if not captivity. They could relate to each other upon building a lasting rapport.

Advent of Colour

With the passage of time, B&W songs were supplemented with the melodious beauties of what was once termed the Eastman Colour era. Gradually, songs from coloured films began having an edge, if not domination altogether. Yet the aura and charm of the ancient era were not ignored or forgotten. It could not be.

In the very recent past, however, not only has there been deterioration in application of mind as regards selection of songs, but rapid commercialisation also seems to have become the order of the day. Also, unnecessary chit-chat in between songs cuts into Prime time. Number of songs, in the process, has been the first casualty- reduction from fifteen to twelve to nine now, in this keenly awaited and engrossing programme.

Some Out of Context

Not all songs reflect old charm and standards; some are included totally out of context or theme, and still others are abruptly cut for no rhyme or reason. The only consolation or silver lining has been the retention of two or three songs from the golden B&W era.

Memorable Jewels

But for RANGOLI, the following memorable songs & several other jewels would never be heard again by those born between the forties and sixties of the last century. Those born later, as such, may not have much interest or inclination in this regard :

• Babul Mera Naihar Chhuto Jay (K.L.Sahgal)

• Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya, Hum Jeekay Kya Karenge (K.L.Sahgal, Shah Jahan,1946)

• Jiya Bekarar Hai (Lata Mangeshkar, Barsaat, 1949)

• Awaara Hoon (Mukesh, Awaara,1951)

• Sham-e-gum ki Kasam (Talat Mahmud, Foot Path,1953)

• Aao Bachchon Tumhein Dikhayen Jhanki Hindustan Ki (Kavi Pradip, Jagriti, 1954)

• Mera Joota Hai Japani (Mukesh, Sri 420,1955)

• Naa Jao Sainya Chhura Ke Bainya (Geeta Dutt, Saheb Biwi Aur Gulam, 1962)

• Laaga Chunri Mein Daag (Manna Dey, Dil Hi To Hai,1963)

• Mere Mahbub Kayamat Ho (Kishore Kumar, Mr.X in Bombay, 1964)

• Mere Saajan Hain Us Paar (S.D.Burman, Nandini)

AND

• Kaun Aaya Ki Nigahon Mein Khanak Aaa Gayee (Asha Bhonsle, Waqt,1964)

T O C O N C L U D E

Apart from enabling one to get face-to-face with the ancient glory and letting one rejoice and heal up, T.V. programmes, such as Rangoli, help in preserving and sustaining our deep and vibrant cultural ethos. It is nothing but a yeoman service.This is one compact conglomerate one waits patiently to watch, and that too with the whole family.

Old songs aim to portray a message, story or an event through less made-up eyes and effective facial expressions by actors, clad sufficiently and decently as opposed to the new song numbers, mostly specializing in vulgarity and gymnastics aided and abetted by unusual, if not painful language, at times.

In the backdrop of the scenario above, there is not only a need to regularly review Rangoli but introduction of more than one show of this genre twice or thrice a week. Unwanted details concerning an actor, singer or composer also need to be avoided. Advertisements, in addition, shall also have to be reduced as they kill the spirit and mood of the viewer.

Simplicity, serenity and beauty of our rich and vibrant society deserve to be correctly projected, NOT the loud and unrealistic fantasies based on otherworldly notions and lifestyles.