Make music compulsory in schools, says flutist Chaurasia

Renowned flute player Hariprasad Chaurasia has that making music as a compulsory subject in schools will build a pool of talented artists and rued dwindling number of audiences at classical music programmes.
People attend western musical programmes in large numbers but the same kind of response is not seen when it comes to classical events, he said.
The 77-year-old Padma Vibhushan awardee stressed on the need to have music as a mandatory subject in schools. This will help in creating interest in the stream among youngsters and also throw up artists in different Indian musical genres.
Chaurasia, who was here to perform at an event organised by Flute Foundation, was talking to reporters last evening.

Asked about intellectuals and personalties from various fields returning their awards to protest the "growing intolerance", Chaurasia declined to comment, saying "this is not my field.