Soundscapes of India: Forging Pathways to Sustainable Careers and Preserving Heritage

Mumbai Mirror Correspondent

This month marks the much-anticipated return of the Soundscapes of India festival for its third edition. Over three days, the event will once again cast a luminous spotlight on the nation’s incredibly vast and diverse musical talent. Organized by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) in association with the Ministry of Culture, this festival transcends a mere showcase; it is designed to actively create avenues for discovery, foster meaningful collaborations, and pave the way for sustainable careers for India’s musicians.

Ahead of this significant event, esteemed lyricist and poet, Javed Akhtar, spoke exclusively to Mumbai Mirror, offering profound insights into the state of India’s musical heritage and the imperative need for institutional support.

Akhtar emphasized India’s unique position as a global cultural powerhouse. “Music has always been one of India’s greatest forms of soft power. It travels across borders without translation, builds bridges between cultures, and carries the identity of a civilization,” he stated. He lauded the Ministry of Culture’s partnership with IPRS for Soundscapes of India, viewing it as more than just an event collaboration. “It reflects a recognition that music is both a cultural legacy and a national creative asset that deserves sustained institutional support,” Akhtar added, underscoring the deep significance of this government involvement.

Addressing the paradox of abundant talent yet widespread artistic anonymity, Akhtar explained, “India has never lacked talent. What has often been missing are enough pathways for that talent to be discovered.” He highlighted the incredible regional diversity of Indian music, noting, “Every region of our country has its own musical language, traditions, and stories. From folk, tribal, classical to film, fusion, and contemporary music, India’s diversity is extraordinary.” The challenge, he suggests, lies in connecting this talent with the right opportunities.

In a candid reflection, Akhtar unequivocally stated, “Talent alone cannot build a lasting career.” He elaborated on the essential elements of a thriving artistic ecosystem: “Artists also need the right ecosystem: access to audiences, platforms, stages, promoters, and agencies, along with visibility beyond their region.” He stressed the vital role of initiatives like Soundscapes of India. “That is why showcase festivals and music marketplaces are vital: they open doors to discovery, collaboration, and sustainable growth.” Akhtar cited the festival’s proven impact, noting, “The journey of Soundscapes of India over the past two editions has shown that when artists are given visibility, meaningful opportunities emerge, often from avenues previously beyond their reach.”

For a nation as musically rich as India, Akhtar believes that strengthening this supportive ecosystem is not merely beneficial but essential. “For a country as musically diverse as India, strengthening this ecosystem is essential not only to preserve our heritage but also to create opportunities for artists to represent India on the global stage,” he asserted. He painted a vision of collaborative success: “When government, cultural institutions, and the music industry work together, they don’t just preserve culture; they create an ecosystem where creativity can flourish and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s cultural and economic future.”

Ultimately, the core philosophy underpinning Soundscapes of India, as articulated by Akhtar, is the “Joy of Discovery” – the profound satisfaction of recognizing talent before it achieves global acclaim. He concluded by reiterating, “India’s music has always been immensely rich and diverse; the need now is to ensure that every deserving talent, regardless of genre, geography, or artistic stature, is given the opportunity to be heard and celebrated.”