India Today – August 19, 2019

AUGUST 19, 2019 INDIA TODAY 61

KAMALA SHANKAR, 52

Musician

“Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion and sense of
attachment to the homeland and with the citizens who share the same
sentiment. It is about taking pride in one’s origin and working for the prosperity
of the country. Being a musician, I feel music itself has the capability to influence

one’s mood and psychology and when we add the feeling of patriotism to it, the

results are overwhelming. Those songs can invoke awe and greatness. Indian

music has been an expression of patriotism right from the days of our freedom

struggle and Hindustani classical music is patriotic as it is Indian to the core. I

connect and influence the audience through my music played on my instrument,

the Shankar Veena. I enjoy the freedom to compose and perform for my country

and outside representing the country. That, for me, is patriotism.”

KRISHNA SINGH