Indian songs not necessary in flight: Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh told in the House on Monday

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh said on Monday that it will not be mandatory for government airlines and airports to play Indian music in their flights and terminals. The Ministry of Civil Aviation on December 27 had asked all airlines and airports to consider playing Indian music in their flights and terminals. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on 23 December requested Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to promote Indian music on flights operated by Indian carriers.

Government changed stand

During the current Parliament session, when Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ambika Soni asked “Does the government propose to make it mandatory for Indian airlines and airports to play Indian classical or light instrumental music”, VK Singh, in his written reply, asked to do so. refused.

VK Singh said on Monday that the government is not making it mandatory for airlines and airports to play Indian music in their flight and terminals.

The ministry wrote a letter to all airlines and airports, stating that the music played by many airlines across the world is best for the country to which the airline belongs. Jazz on an American airline or Mozart on an Australian airline or Arabic songs on flights to the Middle East.” But, Indian Airlines rarely plays Indian music in flight, whereas, we have a rich musical heritage. It’s one of those things. Which every Indian really has a reason to be proud of,” the ministry said.

Scindia had visited the ICCR headquarters on 23 December and met its chairman Vinay Sahasrabuddhe.

The decision was taken after meeting Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

The ministry had said that it has received a request from ICCR to play Indian music in aircraft operating in India and also at airports. “Therefore, it is requested to kindly consider playing Indian music in Indian airports and aircraft operating from India, complying with the regulatory requirements,” the ministry said.

Indian music promotion was decided

ICCR, which works under the Ministry of External Affairs, had tweeted that various suggestions were made during the meeting, including “promoting Indian music in flights operated by Indian airlines”. Malini Awasthi, Anu Malik during the meeting Eminent artists and musicians including Kaushal S Inamdar, Shaunak Abhisheki, Manjusha Patil K, Sanjeev Abhyankar, Rita Ganguly and Wasifuddin Dagar were also present.