Today’s younger generation is grappling with unprecedented levels of stress, largely due to the evolving education system, the burden of heavy coursework, and the competitive job market. Students, especially those in professional fields like engineering, face immense academic pressure, often leading to anxiety, depression, and in tragic cases, even suicide. The education system, which once aimed to nurture holistic development, has now become a race to secure higher grades and better career prospects.
In addition to academic stress, social media plays a significant role in influencing young minds. The constant exposure to unrealistic standards, comparison culture, and the pressure to keep up with digital trends create a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt among students. The lack of real social interactions further isolates them, making it difficult to cope with challenges and uncertainties in life.
The Growing Crisis: The Need for Mental Stability
The alarming rise in student suicides is a stark reminder of the emotional and psychological distress faced by the youth. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows a disturbing trend—student suicides in India have been increasing steadily over the years. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of student suicides rose from 6,654 to 13,089, reflecting an alarming annual growth rate of approximately 4%—which is nearly double the national average for suicides.
Although official figures for 2024 are yet to be released, early reports suggest that the trend continues to be a cause for grave concern. The rise in student suicides is not limited to engineering students but extends to all academic streams, indicating a deeper issue within the education system and society at large.
Many students, unable to find solutions to their problems, succumb to despair. The lack of coping mechanisms, combined with external pressures, makes it difficult for them to make sound decisions and navigate through life’s challenges. It is crucial to introduce practices that enhance concentration, emotional resilience, and self-awareness—qualities that can help students find clarity and inner peace.
Dhrupad: A Path to Stability and Mental Clarity
The very essence of “Dhruva” in Dhrupad signifies stability, continuity, and steadfastness. Unlike other forms of music, Dhrupad is deeply meditative in nature and aligns with the principles of Naad Yoga—the yoga of sound. Through its refined art form, Dhrupad guides the mind toward a state of deep concentration, allowing individuals to experience tranquility and a sense of inner balance.
By immersing oneself in the frequencies of Dhrupad, the scattered mind finds a focal point, leading to greater clarity and focus. This meditative process enables students to make better decisions, confront the truth, and develop resilience against external stressors. The vibrations of Dhrupad do not merely entertain; they transform the listener’s mental state, providing a pathway to self-awareness and emotional stability.
Dhrupad: A Music for Society, Not Just Individuals
Dhrupad is not an art form reserved for a select few. It is a profound musical tradition that belongs to society as a whole. Unlike mainstream music, which often serves as mere entertainment, Dhrupad is designed to elevate the consciousness of its listeners and practitioners. Anyone, regardless of background, can practice and experience its transformative effects. It is a musical discipline that nurtures patience, discipline, and deep listening—qualities that are essential for personal growth and societal well-being.
The Role of Dhrupad in Educational Institutions
Integrating Dhrupad into educational institutions—schools, colleges, and universities—can serve as a powerful tool to counteract the rising mental health crisis among students. Here’s how Dhrupad can benefit young minds:
1. Enhances Concentration and Focus
• The slow, deliberate pace of Dhrupad strengthens cognitive abilities and improves attention span, helping students concentrate better on their studies.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
• The deep vibrations and meditative nature of Dhrupad calm the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being.
3. Aids in Decision-Making
• A focused mind is more capable of rational thinking. Through Dhrupad, students can develop the ability to make sound decisions, face challenges with clarity, and navigate life’s uncertainties.
4. Promotes Emotional Resilience
• By practicing Dhrupad, students learn to regulate their emotions, develop patience, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.
5. Encourages a Holistic Approach to Life
• Dhrupad is more than music—it is a way of life. It teaches students to embrace discipline, mindfulness, and a deeper connection with themselves and their surroundings.
The younger generation is in dire need of tools that can help them cope with the pressures of modern life. Dhrupad, with its meditative and transformative qualities, is an ideal medium to introduce in educational institutions. It is not just an ancient art form but a necessity in today’s fast-paced, stress-filled world. By integrating Dhrupad into schools, colleges, and universities, we can offer students a path to mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a more balanced approach to life.
At a time when student suicides are reaching alarming numbers, Dhrupad serves as a guiding light, helping them regain stability, find solutions, and embrace life with a renewed sense of purpose. It is time we recognize the power of this ancient tradition and make it an integral part of education for the well-being of future generations.
कर्म ऐसा है, जो सोने नहीं देता, जन्मों से जन्मों तक, मोक्ष होने नहीं देता। कर्म ऐसा है, जो रोने नहीं देता, सुख, समृद्धि, धन-मान, स्वयं से दूर जाने नहीं देता।
कर्म ऐसा है, जो कभी स्वयं से स्वयं को जुड़ने नहीं देता, कर्म ऐसा है, जो कभी संबंधों की डोरी को टूटने नहीं देता।
कर्म ऐसा है, जो भय और अनुताप से जीवन जीने नहीं देता, कर्म ऐसा है, जो सदाचारी को कुछ होने नहीं देता।
कर्म ऐसा है, जो सारथी की तरह प्रति क्षण संग चलता, निर्धन-धनवान, बड़े-छोटे, सबके लिए एक ही कहानी कहता।
We often believe that the light from a lamp can illuminate us, but this is merely an illusion. Our physical body, formed from the five elements (Pancha Bhuta), is driven by the subtle body (mind), which is in turn veiled by various thought patterns. Through this cycle, we engage in actions driven by a constant pursuit of happiness, wealth, and recognition. Among all humanity, only a fraction perhaps less than one percent are truly searching for liberation.
On this path of seeking, many look for miracles and often search for a crutch to lean on. The irony is that they seek this support in another human being, just like themselves, believing that person’s words to be absolute truth. They go so far as to worship these individuals, treating them as the key to their salvation.
Throughout history, countless great souls have walked this Earth. But how many of their followers truly became like them? Perhaps a small percentage, out of hundreds, were influenced by their wisdom and became their devoted disciples. No matter who the great soul is, there will always be those who criticize or oppose their teachings. Does this mean that following the path shown by these enlightened beings is a mistake?
Every human is endowed with unique intelligence and reasoning power, which allows them to chart their own path. Yes, we should certainly study and listen to the teachings of great masters, but the key is to analyze and discover our own way forward, using our intellect and critical thinking.
True liberation can only be achieved through our own earned merits, shaped by the karmas (actions) from our past. Our fate the circumstances we face today is determined by the virtues we accumulated in the past. This virtue paves the way to our liberation, and it is a path we must discover ourselves. Following a guru or master is not wrong, but unless we remain centered on our own path, liberation will remain elusive.
Let’s illustrate this with a simple example: Have you ever closely observed a lamp? When it burns, its flame casts light into the surrounding darkness a fact we are all aware of. The light becomes a focal point, attracting many towards it. The lamp burns with the help of oil, a wick, and a structure made of clay or brass, and it continues to emit light until its fuel is exhausted.
Similarly, many great souls have illuminated the paths of countless individuals with their wisdom. However, if we observe carefully, we’ll notice that along with the flame, there is always smoke. Wherever the smoke touches, it leaves a blackened trace. This means that, in addition to the light, the lamp also emits a shadow of darkness. The problem is that we have not trained our eyes to see this dark side.
Looking through the pages of history, we can find that even the lives of great masters had moments where a dark cloud appeared, a shadow rose. The lamp emits both light and shadow. Therefore, the wise approach is to light a lamp within yourself, one that produces no dark smoke. Light a lamp that brings warmth without burning, one that provides coolness and calm yet still radiates light.
Be that Lamp. Become that Light.
In conclusion, each of us should strive to be a lamp that burns steadily without causing harm, radiating light that is soothing yet bright. Instead of relying solely on external sources of light, we must cultivate the ability to shine from within, embodying both wisdom and compassion. Be the lamp that guides without leaving behind a trail of smoke – be the light you seek in the world.
Albert Einstein had a deep appreciation for music and often linked it to his scientific thinking. While there are no specific quotes from Einstein directly discussing musical frequencies in a technical sense, he did speak about the profound relationship between music, frequencies, and the universe.
One famous quote attributed to Einstein is: “Everything in life is vibration.” This suggests that he saw frequencies and vibrations as fundamental to the universe, which aligns with the concept of sound and musical frequencies. He believed that vibrations, like those found in music, are connected to the way the universe operates, especially in fields such as physics and quantum mechanics.
Einstein also played the violin and often said that music helped him think, illustrating his belief in the connection between music, creativity, and scientific discovery.
In essence, while Einstein didn’t focus on musical frequencies directly, he saw vibrations (which include musical frequencies) as part of the natural order of the world and key to understanding the deeper mysteries of science and the cosmos.
“Learning and listening to dhrupad music can be challenging for those who have studied specific form of music, and heard a lots of differnt forms of music, as the mind may grasp facts without real musical experience, but the technique of the voice remains elusive. For those who have not learned music and are unfamiliar with its facts but have been nurtured in a refined regional environment, listening to and learning music is much easier.”
जन्म से जो देखा था वही मैंने लिखा है। क्या मैंने नया… ?
मैं तो बंजर जमीन था उपजाऊ आपने बनाया है, ना बीज आपका था ना पेड़ भी मेरा है, बताओ फिर यह लेख किसने रचाया है? क्या मैंने नया लिखा है ?
यह सब जानते हुए भी “मैं” कहता है, जानते हो! आज मैंने कुछ नया लिखा है!!!
Translation
Have I written something new?
What I’ve seen since birth, That’s what I’ve penned. Have I written something new?
I was a barren land, Fertile, you’ve made me, Neither the seed was yours, Nor the tree mine, Then tell me, this writing, Who has composed it? Have I written something new?
Knowing everything, “I” still says, You know! Today, I’ve written something new!
At the age of 35, life took a turn, defining a new role as a father. With age, friendships shifted, younger connections fading as older bonds strengthened. The journey of aging brought a profound realization. Memories of childhood, learning alongside the stove where meals were cooked, studying in the dim light of kerosene lamps, marked the early days.
Every mother is unique, each holding stories untold. Today, the essence of motherhood seems lost in societal shifts. Remembering moments of struggle and perseverance, these stories of resilience must be shared, especially in a world where young mothers often feel lost in insecurities.
The upbringing shaped by a mother’s grit became a foundation for navigating life’s challenges. Witnessing her dedication despite hardships, the essence of her character remained unbroken. As in our culture, where the soil and the plants grow intertwined, she nurtured us with unwavering love.
Observing today’s mothers, the speaker laments the societal pressures overshadowing the essence of motherhood. The emphasis on empowering women is commendable, yet it’s crucial to recognize the innate responsibility a mother carries in shaping her children’s lives, a divine duty bestowed upon her by nature.
As society champions women’s empowerment, it’s equally vital to revere and uphold the role of mothers, acknowledging their irreplaceable significance in sculpting the future generation.
“Dhrupad singing is based on Pada (Verse), Shruti (Frequencies), and Laya (Rhythm), hence this style is called Anibaddha gaan (unbounded singing) and due to the non-bounded nature, this style ‘Dhrupad’ is known as Margi Sangeet.” -Mukund Dev Sahoo
Question: why is it just dhrupad singing? And Not all classical singing? Aren’t they similarly based on verse, shruti & laya?
“In other styles of music, the foundation rests upon Tala and Swara, which form the primary bond. However, Margi Sangeet sets a unique goal to attain the Naad Vindu by diligently following Shruti and Laya, not solely Swar and Tala. While Tala and Swars can be likened to adorning oneself with clothing, Shruti and Laya are akin to the unadorned body and soul, representing a deeper, unadulterated connection to the essence of pure sound.”
Mukund Dev 