Include music in school syllabus

According to Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner, humans have several different types of intelligences—logical-mathematical, linguistic, and interpersonal. He believes that music intelligence is equal in importance to all of them. Several scientific studies have determined conclusively that music plays significant role to

1. develop children's language skills
2. develop children's self-esteem
3. develop children's listening skills
4. develop children's math skills
5. stimulate children's brain connections

Because of this vital role of music in Child's development, Western countries, and some Asian countries such as China and Korea include music in school syllabus. Schools recruit different types of music teachers and give options to kids to select music instruments they want to learn. Schools conduct concerts and encourage kids to learn music. This creates interest in music in kids at early age.

Why can't we do this in India? Why can't our governments include music in school syllabus and recruit at least some music teachers in all public schools and impart free training to children? This helps to:

1. create several new jobs for musicians.
2. create a huge market for music instruments. This generates jobs indirectly and triggers small scale business.
3. encourages kids to learn music which gives options to kids to choose a different occupation when they grow up.

Historically cultural development is part of overall development and prosperity of a community or region. Look at the great Mowryas, Guptas, Moghuls, or present Western culture specifically US. Economic development and prosperity is never de-coupled with cultural development.

India is rich in culture historically. However, post independence cultural development has been getting hit significantly due to lackluster encouragement especially financially from Government and also due to the impact of Western culture. This is high time India needs cultural revolution to protect our culture and create a sense of pride about our culture in our kids. This can be done to a significant extent by including music in the school syllabus.

What do you think?