On October 10, 2024, acclaimed classical violinist Ustad Johar Ali, in partnership with Birmingham City University (BCU), unveiled Project TIME (Therapeutic Indian Music Education). The launch event welcomed a diverse audience from both the UK and India, including distinguished guests such as the Consul General of India, the Secretary to the Vice President of India, Rajit Punhani, and Kohli Ravinder PaSingh, CEO of Global Sikh Vision.
Project TIME aims to harness Indian classical music for therapeutic purposes, promoting health and well-being. A dedicated space has been established on BCU’s City South campus where staff and students can experience the healing qualities of therapeutic Indian music.
The initiative seeks to raise global awareness of the significant role music can play in healthcare settings. Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, emphasizing, “Indian music is not just about the melody. Historically, it has had some medicinal impact, and this is really the foundation on which this project is built. It also reflects what BCU is about—integrating knowledge and practice.”
The audience was treated to captivating performances by Ustad Johar Ali, his students, and members of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), including a rendition of “Ek Pyaar Ka Naghma Hai,” which brought smiles to the crowd.
Project TIME is based on the ancient Indian music system of Raga, which Ustad Johar Ali expertly employs for its therapeutic benefits. He noted, “Our holy books contain Guru Nanak Granth’s music as treatment for various ailments, including fever, complications during pregnancy, and even diabetes.”
Raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music designed to evoke specific emotions and moods, with each raga offering a unique combination of notes, rhythms, and patterns that can elicit profound feelings of peace, joy, or reflection. The project places a strong emphasis on supporting women’s health during pregnancy, supported by research highlighting the restorative and healing powers of music.
Participants in the project will have the opportunity to attend master classes conducted by Ustad Johar Ali. The anticipated connection between listening to classical Indian Raga music and alleviating stress in pregnant women holds potential for groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and maternal treatment.
The project also opens avenues for further research, including investigating whether decreased cortisol levels may lead to reduced mortality and morbidity for mothers and their babies—a pressing concern identified by UNICEF in India.
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