Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, teems with a lively population of tribal and indigenous people. These communities have their unique culture and practices, which give them a distinct identity from all others. However, urbanization and Western influences have hampered tribal culture up to a large extent, and efforts to safeguard it have had a rampant beginning.

Save Akhra: A Movement to Protect Traditional Musical Instruments

The "Save Akhra" movement started with a noble and one-of-a-kind mission. The aim is that music enthusiasts, artists, and connoisseurs must come forward to procure “10,000 traditional/ folk instruments” by 5th October 2023. 

The idea of the movement had been propagated by Nandlal Nayak, the son of Mukund Nayak, a Padma Shri winner in folk music. Describing the movement, Nandlal Nayak said, “The idea is simple. The campaign is to prevent our cultural and musical identity from landing up in museums.” It is expected that the movement will give a boost to the livelihood of tribals who make traditional musical instruments and revive the culture of tribal music.

The Plight of The Prevalence of Traditional Musical Instruments

Nandlal Nayak says that the usage of many traditional musical instruments is on the verge of becoming outdated. He illustrated this phenomenon by mentioning Lalu Shankar Malhan, who was proficient in playing the Tohila. After his death, no other Tohila artist could be found. 

The usage of Adivasi shehnai and 3-stringed sarangi also saw the same fate, according to Nandlal Nayak. It is essential to conserve the usage of such traditional musical instruments. They are not just a cultural heritage of Ranchi, Jharkhand, but of the whole of India.

For more updates keep visiting our website www.topstoriesworld.com where we provide unbiased, true and top stories of the world.