Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
I feel the main reason that there is so much violence in the world today, is because we disrespect other religions. I had thought that the 21st century would take us to the pinnacles of success but even now, we are killing one another on account of religion. Education could not create compassion and kindness in human beings, which is most unfortunate.
I feel that my family and I belong to every religion of the world. Why have we made religion so scary? Religion is beautiful. It’s a way of life. But we have to respect everyone. All of us depend on each other. I play the sarod but who makes my sarod? His name was Hemendra Chandra Sen and he was from Kolkata. If he didn’t make a good sarod, how would I play one? Who makes the Benarasi sari and who wears it? When chefs make biryanis, who eats them? So, we depend on each other. It’s like a bouquet of flowers – so many religions, so many cultures. One should enjoy its fragrance, not try and destroy it for selfish interests.
From my childhood, I have learnt from my father that there is one God and we are the common race. If our way of being born and dying was different, there could have been a second God. But there is one power that brings us and takes us back. The second confusion was created by astrology. How helpless are we that we have to ask others which direction to walk in or what colour clothes we should wear? I hope that day doesn’t arrive when I have to ask, which raag to play! That’s why I believe in self-confidence. You have to listen to your inner voice. There is a beautiful saying in Hindu religion – aatma hi parmatma hai. When you have God within you, why do you have to look outside?
As told to Deepali Singh for Ustad Amjad Ali Khan | TMM
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