Education has not created compassion, kindness in individuals: Khan

Nagpur: The present education system has only created educated and informed individuals. But it has failed to create compassion and kindness among individuals, otherwise there would not have been a surge in violence, not just in India but the world over, believes sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
Khan, who is in the city to perform at the Buddha Festival at Deekshabhoomi, spoke to TOI exclusively on Sunday.He said, “I feel pained to see scholars, educated people and technical experts misuse and misdirect their knowledge for destructive purposes, heinous crimes, radicalism, divisive acts and spreading communal hatred.”
This trend is visible not just in India but the world over, he said. The world acknowledges the teachings of Buddha, Kabir, Tulsi and other gurus because their teachings imparted knowledge to create better human beings and understand life better. “That is why I say something is grossly amiss in the present education system,” Khan said.
The world hoped for a peaceful 21st century but instead it has turned out to be just the opposite, feels Khan. “There is more violence, more bloodshed, absence of faith and brotherhood…. Man has become a ferocious animal,” he said, “I feel pained with such deterioration in human values and a disdain for humanity. Sometimes I feel ashamed to be a human being.”
Speaking about violence over religion, Khan said the world has one god. “There is only one way a person is born and dies, eventually everyone is reduced to soil – whether one is cremated in the holy fire or buried.”
As for music, he said it is the universal language. “It is understood by all – transcending barriers of nationalities, creed, language… because music is a language of the divine. it can be felt and enjoyed by all,” he said, adding, “Swar hi ishwar hai (music is god).”
Speaking about his long association with Maharashtra, especially Nagpur, he said the state and its people are culturally, traditionally vibrant. “They appreciate and have a high regard for artistes and acknowledge creativity. Even some political leaders keep their party agendas aside when they encourage artists and musicians,” said Khan.
He cited the example of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray’s photography exhibition where the Sena leader had also captured the Ustad in different moods. Khan had also attended Raj Thackeray’s cartoon exhibition, where some exhibits portrayed the Ustad himself.