ByIANSlife Features

September 11, 2019 (IANSlife) As Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan told IANSlife:

“Being an artiste, being a musician, we are more concerned about the peace and harmony of the world. I always thought that the 21st century would be a peaceful, harmonious and comfortable time. But it has seen a lot of uncertainty and violence and this is very disappointing.  

During my recent visit to China, I noticed that although the East Asian nation might have many negative points as per the world view but, the best part which I liked is that religious activities are not encouraged there. It is absolutely banned by the Chinese government. There are no permissions for churches, temples, mosques or anything. There, they feel whichever religion you belong to and whichever prayer you want to recite, you can do it at home; why occupy the land. I was really impressed with their achievement and what they realise. 

Today I feel, that we have enough temples, mosques and churches. What we need today is hospitals. No matter which religion you profess you need a hospital, every religion benefits from this. Nowadays, even the hospitals that exist, they have a five-star culture, so the poor man is still suffering as he can’t reach there. We need hospitals in every country, especially in India where poor people are can’t afford even basic treatments.  

I feel very strongly that globally, the poor are becoming poorer and the rich are becoming richer. I wish that politics and politicians around the world contribute to making human beings compassionate and contribute to the peace and harmony of the world.

What is the contribution of education in our lives, this has to be re-thought and understood anew. What do we achieve by completing college? How does a person with a Ph.D become radical or communal! Today, there is no contribution of education in making one a good, or rather I should say a compassionate human being.

I have come to the conclusion that education has not been able to create compassion.

I could not complete my schooling which was sad; but when I reflect back I received an education. Because in our family the meaning of education is culture, tradition, values and music. Due to my responsibilities, I had to earn as a young boy for the family. From the age of twelve I started traveling to places where people invited me to perform. I have visited every town and corner of India and the people have encouraged and nurtured me. Whatever I am today is the contribution of every Indian of our country.”

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Editing by Muskan Aggarwal and N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe