Hitting the right notes for peace

Music, they say, has no boundaries. And what better way to promote peace and communal harmony than to take help of the magic of rhythm.

In an attempt to rekindle hope among the people as well as to remember and pay homage to those who lost their lives in the November 26 terror attacks, over 100 enthusiasts from different walks of life and religions have come together for a special musical event — Chanting for Peace: Desh Ki Awaaz.

"The event aims to fulfill the Indian dream of peace, non-violence, equilibrium, welfare of the people and respect for shared civilisations," said Zeenat Shaukat Ali, one of the founders of the organisation.

The group meets twice a month to practice at St Xavier's College. They have music composers and lyricists who have composed about 10 to 12 songs. However, a few members have come up with their own lyrics which emphasise on the importance of peace and harmony.

The lyrics by Marzaban Dara Mehta, a music director who organises musicals shows for Parsi gatherings, calls for "bawajis" to remember the pride in embracing people with love. A song by Pratik Joseph, a mathematics professor, has a qawali feel also asking people to live in peace.

Similarly, Maulana Shamsher Rahi's lyrics call for unbreakable unity of the diverse culture that makes India. "When we hear such songs, we forget all our biases. We are united," said Harsha Badkar, a philosophy teacher. "I joined this group because I believe that music and art are great mediums to bring people together," she added.

The group will perform at Kala Ghoda on November 18.