21st century worst time for humanity: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
Kolkata, Jan 27: Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan feels the 21st century is the "worst" time for humanity, a phase in which people are killing each other on account of religion.
"We need peace in the world, but unfortunately politics is now based on religion, politicians plays around with religion for selfish interests. So that is the unfortunate part, not only in India but all over the world," the 'Padma Vibhushan' told PTI.
Khan was speaking on the sidelines of the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet here.
"The 21st century should have been very peaceful, successful. But, it has turned to be the worst time all over the world. People are afraid to travel and there is no security," he said.
Recalling the words of his father Masoom Ali Khan that "all of us have a common God and we are a common race", the 73-year-old maestro said, "I wish this message was given by priests of every religion."
Khan said every human being has to make efforts to maintain peace and harmony in the world.
Without elaborating, he pointed out that there had been instances of "radicalisation of research scholars" and said it shows education has not created compassion and kindness in humans.
During a discussion at the literary meet, Khan said to a question about the role of tradition and convention in arts, "If you want to do something (different), if God is kind, you might come up with something new within the tradition.
"If your composition is beautiful, the raga becomes more interesting. It is important for any young musician to give more importance to composition."
To another question, he recalled having recorded a 'Tribute To Tagore' album with late Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra.
"I had travelled with Mitra in Bengal (during the recording of the album), and I realised how Tagore took liberty in his ragas and how beautifully it came out. I thought only a genius can take such liberty," Khan said.
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Several Gurugram schools receive hoax bomb threats
Gurugram (PTI): Several Gurugram schools received another hoax bomb threat emails on Wednesday morning, prompting police to launch searches on the premises.
Police said the email was sent by the 'Khalistan National Army', with threats issued to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to declare April 29 as the "40th Khalistan Declaration Day". It also threatened to bomb the Red Fort in Delhi.
Police said it was a hoax as no suspicious items were found after an intensive search.
Several schools, including Shri Ram, Amity, and the HDFC school, received threatening emails at 8.33 am, when classes had already begun, police said.
The school administrations became aware of the threats around 9 am and immediately informed the police, a senior police officer said.
The schools immediately implemented emergency protocols, with many declaring a holiday and asking parents to take their children home safely, the officer said.
A large number of anxious parents gathered outside the schools, as police and bomb squad teams reached the spots and started checks.
"Around 10 schools have approached the police from morning until now over bomb threats. Police teams are alert, and searches are underway on all the premises", the officer said.
As soon as the information about this email was received, police in Gurugram and Delhi swung into action and started investigation.
Schools immediately implemented emergency protocols upon receiving the mail. Many schools declared a holiday and sent messages to parents, asking them to take their children home. Large crowds of parents gathered outside the schools.
The schools were sanitised by sending a bomb disposal squad as well as a dog squad.
A senior police officer said that police teams thoroughly searched the school premises, classrooms, buildings, and surrounding areas. No suspicious objects or explosive materials were found during the investigation.
"Police teams are seriously investigating the entire matter. Cyber experts are being consulted to determine the authenticity of the email, its source, and the identity of the sender", added the officer.
This is the third time since January that schools have received fake bomb threats.
In March, at least a dozen schools in the city received bomb threat emails, which later turned out to be hoaxes.
Similarly, on January 28, as many as 13 schools received hoax bomb threats via email, forcing authorities to evacuate campuses and suspend classes.
Last month, police arrested a Bangladeshi national whose email ID was allegedly used to make a bomb threat for some payment.
