Human beings are social animals. We love gatherings. We love discussing ideas and coming up with new things. But more than anything we love being heard. For the same reason, human beings search for relatability in most things. Here is where music becomes a bonding factor for many. But before we talk about it, we need to talk about the two types of sounds (naad) – Aahat and Anahat.

Aahat means strike. Aahat naad is the sound which can be produced by striking one thing to another, and it can be listened by ears. Any sound that is used in music is Aahat in nature. On the other hand, Anahat means something that exists forever. That is, Anahat naad cannot be produced; it is meant only to be experienced. A way to experience this is by closing your ears with your fingers gently and concentrating to a whistle like sound. It is said that old Rishis of India could listen to this normally during their meditation. This sound is not used in music though.

A way to think of this is, in this mortal world, the only thing that will stay forever is Anahat sound, till the end of the time. No wonder we use sounds and therefore music to unwind ourselves. The feeling of longingness for connecting with emotions that music brings with it is too strong, we feel the need to immerse in it more and more. Not only kids, but even the working or even retired population spend their free time listening to music, going to concerts, discussing music, and often taking music lessons. Groups of people gathering in the afternoons near a roadside shop or on a bench under a tree or in a park, to discuss about music, and even having impromptu singing sessions is a common sight in villages or small towns. Cities like Bangalore have a busier population, and hence instead of impromptu music classes and/ot singing classes they often schedule it by joining music schools. The feeling of being surrounded by people we relate to on a deeper level makes us feel heard and understood. And music is one language that ensures it anywhere.

Yes, the world needs more doctors and engineers. But the world sure is in a bigger need of more art lovers to collectively walk each other home, making more and more of us feel heard at the end of the day.