Ustad Johar Ali embraces the healing properties of Raga
World-renowned classical violinist Ustad Johar Ali, in collaboration with Birmingham City University (BCU), launched his project TIME on October 10, 2024.
A variety of individuals from the UK and India were in attendance.
Honourable guests included the Consul General of India, Secretary to the Vice President of India, Rajit Punhani and Kohli Ravinder Pal Singh, the CEO of Global Sikh Vision.
Project TIME (Therapeutic Indian Music Education) uses Indian classical music to heal and promote health and well-being.
A space has been created on BCU’s City South campus for staff and students to experience therapeutic Indian music and benefit from its healing properties.
The project aims to heighten global awareness of the tremendous value of music in healthcare settings.
Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, who opened the event with a warm welcome, stated:
“Indian music is not just about the melody. Historically, it has had some medicinal impact, and this is really the foundation on which this project is built.
“It also speaks to what BCU is about, how we take knowledge and practice and bring together.”
Celebrated international violinist and singer Ustad Johar Ali, his students and members of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) delighted the audience.
The performance of ‘Ek Pyaar Ka Naghma Hai’ had the audience smiling. Each melody shared was a delight to the ears.
Project TIME works on the principles of the ancient classic Indian music system of Raga.
An expert in Raga Therapy, Ustad Johar Ali embraces the healing properties of Raga:
“Our holy books have Guru Nanak Granth’s music as treatment, for the fever, for the pregnant lady, for many diseases like diabetics.”
Raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music that evokes specific emotions and moods.
Each raga is a unique blend of notes, rhythms, and patterns. Moreover, each raga can evoke profound emotions of peace, happiness, or reflection.
The project also focuses on supporting the health and well-being of women through pregnancy.
Research has demonstrated the restorative and healing powers of music.
Musicians participating in the project will receive master classes from Ustad Johar Ali.
The assumed link between hearing classical Indian Raga music and reducing stress among pregnant women could be ground-breaking.
Ground-breaking for both healthcare and the treatment of pregnant women.
It also provides immense potential for this project to lead to further research.
Such as assessing whether reduction in cortisol may reduce mortality/morbidity in mothers and their babies. UNICEF has identified this as a particular issue of concern in India.
Johar Ali is passionate about sharing classical Indian music’s richness and healing nature with everyone.
He is also determined to introduce more people across age groups and communities to the wonders of classical Indian music.
Johar Ali is also the Chair of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) at RBC, BCU.
In this role, he has taken active steps to spread and share his knowledge and artistry with staff, students, and the wider community.
For example, Johar Ali teaches pupils from St Benedict’s Primary School to read music and learn the wonders of Indian classical music.
The project is also an innovative medium through which the wonders and charms of Indian classical music will reach more people.
As project TIME continues, audiences and community members in the UK, India and globally have much to look forward to. The project’s wider benefits for supporting health and well-being are invaluable.