Music can surpass boundaries of nations, regions and castes to convey the most profound feelings. One is reminded of the time when Prime Minister Nehru was taken to tears in 1963 at the first recital of ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’ by Lata Mangeshkar in 1963. Music can stir our soul in an unimaginable way. Here are a few powerful songs that give the message of peace :
Gurus of Peace, 1997
This song from the 1997 album Vande Mataram, addresses the human complacency to wars ,and gives the message of peace in a most innocent manner. It was the only song of the album that collaborated with Pakistani legend singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
What are u waiting for another day another talk,
Somewhere we have to find a new way to peace
Krishna Nee Begane Baro
The wonderful indo-western fusion by Colonial Brothers won millions of hearts. The song from the debut album of Colonial Cousins reflects on the absurd state of the Earth and implores Lord Krishna to come back in any form and save the world.
Dark is coming around, Everybody fighting with the brother
Everybody wants control won't, Hesitate to kill one another
Heal the World
Children are often the most affected from wars. Considered as the song that legendary singer Michael Jackson was most proud of creating, ‘Heal the World’ talks about how we can collectively save the world from suffering and make it a better place. Released in 1991, its melody is still fresh and the lyrics, still relevant to the day.
There are people dying,
If you care enough for the living,
Make a better place for you and for me
Mere Dushman Mere Dost(1999)
This beautiful song from Border, written by Javed Akhter and sung by Hari Haran signifies the reasons may be personal, but the widespread destruction of war is universal.
Mere Dushman Mere Bhai Mere Humsaaye
Mujhse Tujhse Hum Donon Se Ye Jalte Ghar Kuchh Kehte Hain
Barbaadi Ke Saari Manzar Kuchh Kehte Hain
The common underlying theme of these songs reflect that people themselves can create peace. Conclusively, I would like to quote the famous lines from Brecht's Poem,
"General, man is very useful,
He can fly and he can kill.
But he has one defect:
He can think."