Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan does not need an introduction. The whole world knows him as “Sarod Samrat” Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. All his life, he spread the message of love, peace and harmony globally through his music. For him ‘Music is God’ that connects people.

In a candid conversation with Bidisha Roy, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan shared his views about unrest in the society. The ‘Global Peace Ambassador’ started the conversation with a clear message to the world.

TIP – You always talk about peace and harmony…?

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan – First of all I would request President Donald Trump to ban the guns and weapons. I am so sad to hear about the Las Vegas incident. Then I realized that having guns is fundamental right of American people but it’s very dangerous for the safety of every human being of America and the way people have been killed in Las Vegas is very sad. Even children here carry guns to schools. I am hoping that Mr Trump would immediately ban these weapons. This is very unhealthy for the whole society. People should have them for their safety but not without license. Arms should not be sold like vegetables.

TIP – Talking about India we say that we belong to a secular country. But in the present situation can we take pride in our secularism?

Amjad Ali Khan – I grew up in India. The people of India made me Amjad Ali Khan. I got love and encouragement from every corner of India. Why only me? Bismillha Khan Saab, Vilayat Khan Saab, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab. The interesting thing of our country is – in spite of so many religions we all depend on each other and that is our strength. Only one religion can’t take India to moon or sun. Amjad Ali Khan plays sarod. But who makes the sarod of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan? Mr Hemendra Chandra Sen – a Bengali gentleman from Rashbehari Avenue Kolkata. He makes beautiful instruments and he made my sarod. Without him by sarod could not have been appealing. This way we depend on each other. In every era – no matter which political party is ruling the country – we have seen good people, bad people. Fortunately, we have more peace loving people. Secularism is the character of our country and because of that the whole world respects India. It’s like a bouquet of flowers. We have to maintain this character of our country. This is the duty of every Indian to maintain the beauty of our country. Every religion in India has contributed to the success of our country. We must nurture the bouquet of India.

TIP – Any form of art – music, can unite people. Do you think all musicians should come together for that?

Amjad Ali Khan – Music connects the world. In our country we say ‘Swar hi Ishwar hai.’ There are two kinds of music – one is pure sound and another is based on language. Language is ruling the world. Because of language the politicians are winning the elections and sometimes loosing for the language as well. So, language creates the barrier. Music is gift of god. Every human being is born with sound and rhythm. The heartbeat is an indication of rhythm. The whole world is going through lot of uncertainty. Every country is going through problems. Then what is the role of education? Education can’t create compassion and kindness.  I can’t think a PhD being communal. There is something wrong in our education system right from the very beginning – not only in India but all over the world. My father taught me that all of us have a common god. Sooner we realize this, it would be good for every country.