Sarod legend Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan and Ayaan will join a bevy of other performers at a US concert to collectively appeal for peace and harmony in the world on Saturday.
Chant4Change 2016 will be held at the lower steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington in which participants from across the social, political and religious spectrum can raise their voice in song.
“Chant music has long powered revolutionary action from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr. Chant4Change is conscious action – an alternative to the negativity,” the organisers say.
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“Chant4Change is an appeal for peace and harmony in the world…. Amaan (Ali Bangash), Ayaan and I will present songs which are symbols of peace and harmony and closely connected with Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and Sufi saint Hazrat Amir Khusrau,” says Khan.
The trio will play songs like We shall overcome or Ham honge kaamyaab, Vaishnav Janato, Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram and Taraanaas singing style created by Khusrau in the 13th century.
“This is the most appropriate occasion to play and sing all these songs,” Khan told PTI, adding the trio will be accompanied by Abhijeet Banerjee on the tabla.
Several famous musicians of spiritual, devotional and Sufi music are also expected to perform.
Khan hopes to send across a message of peace and harmony to the people of India and Pakistan and the whole world through this performance.
“Music has always connected the world. Swar hi Ishwar hai. It is our duty and it is high time that we collectively plan the future of our younger generation…. The world should collectively achieve peace and harmony for the younger generation,” he says.
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“In every war, a country loses its young soldiers, the younger generation…. Hope Chant4Change achieves its goal of spreading peace and harmony,” Khan adds.
In its message, the organisers say, “The time is now to raise your voice in song. Pledge to attend this once in a lifetime event and join thousands across the spiritual, political, social and cultural spectrum in heralding in the era of spirit, love and unity…We will join together… as one earth family, with one collective voice, unified through heart and song, we will raise the vibration of our homeland and set our intention for the future of our nation and our planet.”
The first Chant4Change in 2009 brought together a diverse group of over 1,000 people in sacred song and chant.
“We envision a world where our individual acts of kindness, giving and cooperation can make a positive impact for everyone,” they say.
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