Lending their voice

Leading Indian rock bands will perform today in New Delhi for spreading awareness about climate change

Delhi will be swinging to the tunes of some desi rock stars today. No big deal, did you say? It is. The concert, organised by Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) and Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), is actually a charity event which aims at tapping the youth to spread awareness about global warming and climate change. While the event won’t coincide with the climate summit to be held at Copenhagen, it’s still a step, according to the organisers, in the right direction.

The event, which will start at 6 pm today, at Quila Rai Pithoda grounds in New Delhi, will have some of the leading names from the Indian music industry. In addition to some of the well-known rock bands, playback singer Mohit Chauhan will also be performing. The show, Act Now! Climate Ke Liye Bajao, will also showcase individuals to share their experiences on how climate change is affecting them and their communities. The proceeds of this concert will be used to fund research that is related to the conservation of the Himalayan ecosystem, and building the resilience of local communities to face challenges that arise due to climate change.

For Chauhan, who belongs to Nahan, a sleepy hill station in Uttaranchal, “the hills, lush green forests and nature, have been an inspiration for my music” and that’s the reason why he’s aghast at the way forests are vanishing. In an effort to join in the campaign against global warming, Chauhan, who is also promoting the concert heavily on Facebook, is hopeful of making some difference through this show.

Indian Ocean, another popular rock band, will also be a part of the concert. While Susmit Sen, one of the members of the group, has been unwell, and might have to give the show a miss, the group is, nonetheless, upbeat about the show. “Our message to the youth is to join us for this concert. We want a fair, ambitious and binding climate deal in Copenhagen,” they add in unison. The band, for the record, is slated to compose music for Aamir Khan’s next production. Other music bands which will be performing include Bandish, Advaita and Sarangi Funk.

Going by the positive response, this might become an annual feature. Gaurav Kapoor, emcee for the show, also a popular VJ, adds, “Our planet is being destroyed at a steady rate. Left unchecked, there could be serious, unpleasant ramifications.”

Armed with their creativity, these artistes genuinely believe that their music can create magic and — hopefully — get the message of global warming and its adverse impact across to millions of people. They could be right. Sometimes, music alone can provide a wonderful healing touch.