Like avocado on jalebi: The manufactured appeal of ‘bhajan clubbing’
On a recent Saturday evening, a bhajan clubbing event organized by the Rekha Gupta government took place at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. This event showcased a peculiar blend of spirituality and modernity, drawing attention from various quarters, including political figures.
The Event and Its Reception
A video of the event, which featured “Gen-Z” students dancing to the bhajan “Radhe radhe japo, chale aayenge Bihari,” was shared by Kapil Mishra, the culture minister of the BJP government. He described the event as an “unparalleled confluence of modernity and spirituality,” claiming it would “strengthen our heritage.” The event was also streamed live on Satsang TV’s YouTube channel for two hours.
A Personal Reflection
The author reflects on their own experiences at IIT, recalling how their father took them to the institute in hopes of inspiring a career in engineering. Although they chose a different path, the institution’s reverence left a lasting impression. Out of curiosity, the author decided to watch the video of the bhajan clubbing event.
The Disharmony of Bhajan Clubs
In the video, around a hundred students, many of whom had dedicated years to gain admission to IIT, appeared disinterested. Some were underdressed, while others were distracted by their phones. The lead singers of the “Keshavam band” attempted to engage the audience, urging them to cheer and participate. However, the crowd remained hesitant, with two-thirds of the amphitheater empty.
Professors were seated nearby, seemingly marking their attendance rather than engaging with the performance. The mix of traditional instruments like the bansuri with modern elements such as electric guitars and synthesizers created an unusual atmosphere. Despite the lead singer’s efforts to encourage participation, the response was lukewarm.
Engagement and Adaptation
As the performance continued, some students began to engage more actively, clapping and dancing to the bhajan. The lead singer even introduced a dance step, which prompted more students to join in. However, the event’s nature was still at odds with the typical college experience, where students are often seen as more rebellious and free-spirited.
At one point, during an adaptation of Sukhbir’s “Ishq Tera Tadpave,” the singer reminded the crowd to replace the original lyrics with religious phrases, highlighting the tension between modern music and traditional bhajans.
The Implications of State-Backed Events
While bhajan clubbing can be seen as a fun and engaging activity, it also raises concerns about the state’s role in shaping student life. This event was not merely a college fest; it was a state-backed initiative framed as a means to “strengthen culture.” The blending of bhajans with clubbing culture raises questions about the authenticity of such experiences.
Clubbing is often associated with nightlife, drinking, and a sense of freedom, while bhajans are viewed as purely devotional. By merging these two worlds, the government appears to be attempting to redefine cultural engagement among youth. This approach assumes that religiosity and modernity exist in separate realms, suggesting that the devout cannot enjoy nightlife, and the modern cannot engage in spirituality.
Curated Culture vs. Organic Engagement
The event exemplifies how culture can be curated and performed rather than lived and chosen. There is nothing inherently wrong with bhajans or young people engaging with them. However, when the state engineers this engagement, it raises concerns about the authenticity of the experience within institutions that are meant to be secular and diverse.
The dissonance of the event becomes more pronounced against the backdrop of the intense pressures that students face at IIT. The event took place shortly after a first-year BTech student reportedly died by suicide, highlighting the mental health crisis prevalent in such high-pressure academic environments. In the past five years, there have been at least 65 suicides at IITs, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
Conclusions on State Influence
The crowd’s adaptation to the bhajan clubbing format indicates a willingness to engage, but it also raises important questions about the state’s intentions. Similar events have been organized across various colleges, coinciding with a ban on protests in response to student dissent. This pattern suggests that the state may be promoting a culture of devotion over dissent, aiming to reshape student engagement in a way that aligns with its political agenda.
Final Thoughts
As bhajan clubbing events gain popularity, it is crucial to consider the implications of such state-backed initiatives on campus culture. The blending of spirituality and modernity may be appealing, but it is essential to remain vigilant about the authenticity of these experiences and the potential erosion of diverse cultural expressions.
Note: The discussion surrounding bhajan clubbing raises important questions about the intersection of culture, politics, and student life in contemporary India.
