According to Kailash Kher, music is one of the purest art forms and may be used as a potent instrument to teach people about their heritage while also providing entertainment. The 52-year-old musician is in negotiations with governments to more meaningfully incorporate music into school curricula because it may act as a bridge to understanding culture and history.
“What is happening is that people are forgetting how important music can be in helping one understand their culture and history. These days, music is only being used for entertainment, and I want to change that,” says the Teri Deewani hitmaker.
The singer is already in contact with more than “500 schools” in Maharashtra alone through his KKALA (Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Arts), and he has ambitions to spread the program throughout the nation. “Today’s kids are becoming estranged and don’t know what Indian music is all about. Contrary to popular belief, music is not 100 years old. He notes that no one is aware that music has been in India for thousands of years.
The 52-year-old emphasizes that his goal is to educate kids about the background and cultural significance of Indian music while also teaching them how to sing. “When I say teach music, I don’t just mean teaching them how to sing Sa Re Ga Ma. I want them to understand the history of ragas, their significance, and their backstories. We want them to learn about music, and they won’t be able to do so unless they comprehend that,” he says.
For him, this understanding is vital to shaping young minds. Learning about Indian music will make children more connected to their cultural heritage and proud of their heritage. If they know where it comes from and why it matters, they won’t just be singing a tune — they’ll be carrying forward a legacy,” he says.
