How can rock shows instill patriotism? Doon’s students, Musicians Ask

In a recent circular sent to all the

central universities

and IITs across the country, the HRD ministry has asked them to host rock shows. However, there is a twist – the shows will have a

patriotic

theme. As part of the

‘Ye India Ka Time Hai’ programme

, the government will identify certain bands which will be performing at different universities across the country. The programme is being organized to celebrate 70 years of India’s Independence and 75 years of the Quit India Movement. IIT Delhi will organize a rock band performance on September 5 along with a brainstorming session as part of the programme. However, this method to instill patriotism hasn’t gone down too well with most students, who say that patriotism needs to comes from within, not through any event. They also argue that rock music is, by definition, rebellious. On the other hand, there also some who think that this novel idea might click with the students.

The HRD Ministry issued a circular to central universities and IITs across the country to host ‘patriotic’ rock shows

‘Patriotism rock show attend karne se nahin aata’

Abhijeet Jain, a fourth year student pursuing Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi says, "Patriotism is something that comes from within. I don’t think students will start feeling patriotic by simply attending rock shows. If they really want us to feel something towards the nation, they could have screened some movies from 90s that talk about patriotism or organized sessions on stories from the Independence era. How will rock bands help?"

Aditi Chatterjee, a first-year student of MA (Russian) from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, says, "In a series of reforms to make people patriotic, this doesn’t come as a surprise that the ministry is now planning to organize ‘patriotic’ rock shows at central universities. First, they asked us to stand at theatres for national anthem, then the plan to install tanks in JNU, and now patriotic rock shows. If they really want us to be patriotic, then they should let us study about it and research what patriotism is. Patriotism tank ke saamne khade hone se ya rock show attend karne se nahi aata. You cannot become patriotic by shouting ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’."

Kuber Suryavanshi, a second-year student of NIT University says, "I don’t think organizing patriotic rock concerts will solve any purpose. Rather, the government should focus on providing better facilities to students. We are patriotic but I don’t understand why suddenly we have to prove it."

‘It might interest students’

Sankalp Sharma, a fourth-year student of Mechanical Engineering from IIT Roorkee, says, "I think students will participate. They will be organizing events which are interesting as well as patriotic. I might not be interested in attending such an event, but I am sure there will others who would surely attend."

Pranay, a second year student of IIT Roorkee, adds, "Rock shows are a hit among students and I think patriotic rock concerts, too, will strike a chord with them. What better way to evoke a sense of patriotism than through rock music?"

Alen, a second year student of IIT Roorkee, says, "This is an innovative initiative. I think a lot of students will be interested to participate in such an event."

Somraj, vice president of student council, NIT University, says, "Our college’s rock band performs on several occasions and I don’t see any harm adding a few patriotic song to their playlist. I don’t think this is forced patriotism, this is just an initiative to promote the feeling of nationalism in youngsters."