This Republic Day, in a tribute to the 23-year-old Delhi gang-rape victim, whose death triggered nationwide protests and debates on women’s security, 15 music bands in the city performed at the Freedom Park here.
The daylong event, titled ‘Republic of musicians’, was a musical tribute and expression of solidarity, with movements across the country that have been demanding better laws to tackle rape and safety for women in public places. Organised by Sonido Musicals and Magma Studios, the event featured bands cutting across genres from metal to alternative rock, punk and even a Kannada music band.
Sonido’s Nidhi Mohta explained that the idea for the tribute germinated on a Facebook page where like-minded musicians from across the city discussed the need for using music to talk about relevant social issues. So over a couple of Fridays, the bands jammed together and the artistes were shortlisted for this unique Republic Day event. “So it’s not like a protest, but it’s our way of contributing to the movements that have come up around this cause. It’s not a protest nor is it violent, so they can’t shut us up. It’s a way of talking about it through music,” Ms. Mohta said.
Suhas Nair, member of alternative rock band DEFYD, who works in an MNC, said the concert was “a great idea”. “I believe that music should reflect on issues that affect us and we sang a few songs that did so,” he said. Two of their tracks, Pieces and Disillusioned spoke of personal trauma and the process of dealing with it. “We being musicians, we express ourselves best through music. And it was nice to see passersby strolling in to hear us and see what we were about.”
Round-up
Government institutions and organisations across the city woke up early this Saturday to observe Republic Day. Some dedicated their entire morning organising programmes, while others decided to take their patriotism forward by organising citizens’ outreach programmes.
Bangalore University marked the occasion with Vice-Chancellor N. Rangaswamy hoisting the flag. Speaking to students, he said the national anthem alone told the story of our national diversity. “India is a large democracy. It is a role model to other countries.” Students from the UVCE put up a cultural show.
In another initiative led by students, members of the Samasta Kendra Sunni Students Federation formed a human chain and rally near Freedom Park, titled ‘Friendship safeguards for the national security’, to create awareness on national integrity.
The South Western Railway celebrated the day at the Railway Institute Grounds, Bangalore. Anil Kumar Agarwal, Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore Division, unfurled the tri-colour and told the gathering that the Bangalore division had registered a growth of 5 per cent over the previous year. Cultural programmes and ceremonial parades were organised by three platoons of the Railway Protection Force, Bharath Scouts and Guides, and students of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, among other schools.
Ashwini Mehra, chief general manager, State Bank of India, unfurled the flag at the head office at St. Mark’s Road. Canara Bank employees too marked the occasion with a similar ceremony.
