Youth tune into tradition at SPIC MACAY extravaganza

Time of India

26-05-2025

Hyderabad: In an era dominated by streaming platforms and pop charts, Indian classical music is quietly staging a comeback — this time, in the hearts of the youth. At the SPIC MACAY event hosted by IIT Hyderabad on Monday, students from across the country gathered to immerse themselves in an art form they say resonated deeply with their identity, emotions, and intellect.
Far from being outdated or irrelevant, classical music and dance appear to be striking a fresh chord with the younger generation.
'I got goosebumps listening to the nadaswaram performance by Padma Shri awardees Sheikh Mahaboob Subhani and Kaleeshabi Mahaboob,' said Inayat Puri, a student of Spring Dale School, Amritsar. 'Classical music is vibrant, expressive, and undiluted. It sharpens my focus and helps me cope with stress.
Other forms of music don't give me the same depth or peace.'
Inayat, a classical singer herself, described the event as a space for both recreation and reflection — a place where her passion for music was deepened through exposure to live, traditional performances.
Her schoolmate, Saanvi Mahanadru, echoed her excitement.
'I had never seen some of these instruments before,' she said. 'It's inspiring to see how rich and diverse our musical heritage is.'
The duo was especially looking forward to the concluding day's performance by the acclaimed Warsi brothers, whose qawwali is known to bridge classical and devotional traditions.
For city girl Ananya Nimmala, a classical dancer and a student of Sloka, the Hyderabad Waldorf School, the turning point came during a past SPIC MACAY event, which introduced her to Bharatanatyam. 'It started as curiosity, but it transformed my life.
Classical dance improved my coordination, balance, flexibility and strength,' said the teenager, who now practices daily and competes regularly. 'Further, my focus and discipline improved,' she said.
Nilay Parsodkar, a BDes student at IIT Hyderabad and a tabla player, expressed delight over a full house, which saw more youngsters than elderly. 'Playing tabla is in my blood as I learnt it from my father, himself a tabla player.
Even my grandfather used to listen to Marathi folk songs, and that is where the interest developed. Despite my busy schedule at IIT, I make sure that I train a few times a week as it keeps me mentally and physically well.
I also try to participate in the inter-IIT cultural competitions.'
The evening concluded with spellbinding Kuchipudi performances by Raja and Radha Reddy, followed by a soulful Hindustani violin concert by N Rajam. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also attended the event in the evening.