The Transformative Power of Music: A Journey with My Daughter

 

Resonance and Recovery - Towards Healing Through Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s songs

 

Today is November 5th, a familiar day to all of us. On the occasion of the 13th death anniversary of Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, people are commemorating his work not only in Assam but across various parts of India. This is a proud moment for us as Assamese people. Today, we remember him through his songs. We are all aware of the social, cultural, political, and linguistic value of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs. But wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that these songs also have therapeutic qualities?

 

The depth of emotions, social awareness, and cultural resonance inherent in Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs can be a profound source for music therapy and healing. His songs often encompass universal themes such as love, unity, peace, and the struggles and joys of ordinary lives, easily touching the hearts of common people. In his songs, we find a variety of themes ranging from children’s songs to romantic, patriotic, and revolutionary songs. Let’s understand how his songs can benefit therapeutic practices:

 

            1.         Physical, Mental, and Intellectual Development in Children and Alzheimer’s: Many of us grew up listening to songs like “Pacholir Bagicha, Soru Bagicha” at our grandparents’ homes. Each word in this song is so engaging for children that it forms a vivid picture of a kitchen garden in our minds. The hippocampus, a part of our brain that stores musical memories, immediately connects with the frontal lobe, which is responsible for decision-making. Therefore, this song aids in both the mental and intellectual development of a child and helps prevent or manage Alzheimer’s in old age, as Alzheimer’s affects the hippocampus first. Other songs like “Kohua Bon Mor Ashanta Mon” and “Rang Rang Nana Rang Kinibole Jaon” can also be used for children in music therapy.

 

            2.         Emotional Expression and Catharsis:

“Etukura Alosua Megh Bahi Jai

Moro Bonhonsui Baat Heruwaai

Moi Achu Sharadiya Khiriki Mukhot

Bukuye Bichara Jonoloi Baat Sai”

 

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs directly reflect various human experiences, expressing emotions such as happiness, sorrow, hope, and despair. For those who are suppressing emotions, listening to or humming these songs can help them release their pent-up feelings.

 

            3.         Communal and Social Harmony:

 

Many of Sudhakantha’s songs speak of unity and social-cultural harmony.

 

“Manuhe Manuhor Babe

Jodihe Okono Na Bhabe

Okoni Sahanubhutire

Bhabibo Koneno Kowa Samaniya”

 

The practice of singing such songs fosters humanity and compassion and encourages people to build a well-functioning society. Priceless creations like Akashi Ganga Bichara Nai, He He He Dhole Dagore, and Ai Tok Ki Here Pujime help develop a sense of nationalism and humanity. Regularly listening to such songs stimulates the release of happiness hormones in the body.

 

            4.         Raga-Based Songs: Some of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs are based on Indian classical ragas. For example, “Buku Hom Hom Kore” and “Bistirna Parore” are set in Raga Bhupali, and “Snehe Amar Shoto Shravanor” is based on Sarang Ang. Raga Bhupali helps relieve migraines, headaches, and indigestion, while Sarang aids in reducing acidity. Similarly, listening to or practicing “Notun Nimati Niyorore Nisha” in Raga Kedara helps relieve cough, tonsil pain, and respiratory infections. Practicing “Jibon Jora Khyatiye Jadi” in Raga Shivaranjani can improve memory.

           

 

5.         Nostalgia:

 

“Hoyto Nitou Hezar Jonor

Hezar Sorai  Paon

Tothapi Kiyo Bishesh Jonor

Morom Bichari Jaon!”

 

Nostalgia plays a significant role in healing. The hippocampus, which we discussed earlier, is deeply associated with nostalgia. When we listen to old songs, our hippocampus activates, prompting the pituitary gland to release happy hormones. A body with a healthy mental state can more easily overcome physical ailments. For those who grew up listening to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs, these evoke nostalgia, which can aid in treating various physical conditions.

 

Thus, by using Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs in music therapy, we can provide individuals not only with healing but also with meaningful mental and cultural experiences. We believe his songs will open new paths in the science of music therapy.

 

(Mrs. Anubhuti Kakoty Goswami, a resident of Mumbai, is a music therapist.)