Art festival explores music for peace and sustainability

Lucknow: The second day of the White Swan Art Festival brought together musicians, scholars and educators to explore the power of music in promoting world peace and sustainability on Monday.The panel on ‘Responsible Music for a Peaceful and Sustainable World' highlighted how music can influence society, foster understanding and encourage responsible cultural engagement.Speakers included Prof Kumkum Dhar, Prof Ruchi Khare, Prof Shrishti Mathur from Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, and AGM Central Railway and Vice Chairman Railway Claims Tribunal Lucknow, Prabha Srivastava. They discussed how music can contribute towards a better social order.Poet and educationist Namita Rai spoke on the link between art, music and sustainability. Musicologist and former railway official KL Pandey explained the influence of classical ragas on popular music. Former railway traffic official and Awadh historian AK Srivastava spoke on the role of cities and railway networks in cultural exchange. Dubai-based educationist and musician Pranita Lele discussed the connection between literature and music in shaping cultural identity.Lost Awadhi vegetarian dishes like bhakase, shehda, dhokha and Kathal ke kebab were part of the event. Traditional items such as lapsi, doodh bariya, rasawar and musrang were also served. Millet kebab, karayal, mijni, bedhai harira and fare were included in the food showcase.The White Swan Art Anthem, created by festival founder Anjali Nigam and Bollywood musician Neel, is performed daily.A panel discussion included Prof Jai Krishna Agarwal, historian, Ravi Bhatt, CEO of CII Foundation, Sunil Mishra, and founder and director of Pyssum, Naval Pant.Ravi Bhatt referred to Lucknow's tradition of communal harmony, while Sunil Mishra spoke about corporate support for art and music. Jai Krishna Agarwal shared examples of artists gaining recognition through media platforms."The festival will remain on till March 25, with focus on art, music and food as mediums to promote world peace and sustainability," said Anjali Nigam.