Sangeet and Selfhood: The Role of Hindustani Classical Music in Fostering Identity, Empowerment, and Wellbeing among Women Learners

Abstract

In the context of the fundamental theme of this study, “Bridging Gaps and Building the Future,” the findings provide evidences of harmonised voices and enhanced academic articulation in women, as the products of self-devotional musical practice and reflection.

The purpose of this research study is to listen to female students and teachers, as well as singers who were trained in the guru shishya parampara and learned digitally. It was noted in their testimonies that continued riyaz (practice) builds discipline and patience and helps to master emotional control. In addition, working with different ragas teaches the students to convey feelings that may be too complex to express in words. Activities like baithaks and informal concerts instill the women a sense of confidence, leadership, and community. The combination of technology and traditional teaching methods has also increased accessibility to classical music teaching for women in smaller towns and non-metro universities.

The lived experiences presented here are within the parameters of the “U. N. Sustainable Development Goals”, more specifically, the parameters are on quality education, gender equality, innovation, and inclusion. These results indicate that Sangeet is more than an artistic form or an area of learning. It is an alive form of learning, helping individuals with emotional balance, self-awareness, and, more importantly, resilience. It is through music that women learners construct meaning and harmonize their lives and their learning, thereby offering an innovative, sustainable, and culturally relevant model of empowerment in contemporary India.