The Hindu : National : Spiritual pop idol contest

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Monday, Jul 09, 2007
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Spiritual pop idol contest

NEW DELHI: A new reality television contest of hymn-singing pop idols is aiming to bring spirituality to young Indians influenced by liberal Western lifestyles and stressed by increasing work pressures.

To be aired in October

Producers of “Swaradhiraj” or “Supreme ruler of musical notes” — which is expected to be aired in October — say contestants will sing spiritual songs of any religion.

“Youth today are going to discotheques. They are drinking too much, smoking too much and being influenced by Western media,” said Arvind Joshi, an official from Aastha, India’s largest spirituality TV channel, which will air the show.

“Even divorce rates are increasing ... so we are trying to make them start thinking in the right direction.”

Stressful lifestyles

India’s booming economy has brought prosperity to many urban areas, creating a 300-million-strong middle-class. But it has also led to more stressful lifestyles where a faster pace of life has left many urbanites working long hours and with little time to relax.

This has resulted in a proliferation of faith-based television stations offering talk shows, astrological programmes and classes on yoga and alternative medicine as a soothing alternative to 24-hour news channels and soap operas.

“Spirituality is there in the youth already, but we are trying to consolidate it,” said Mr. Joshi.

“Devotional music is the one thing that can relieve stress from people and take them towards God and spirituality.”

Prize: paid pilgrimage

Instead of prizes of cash or cars normally offered to winners of reality shows, the winner will get a paid pilgrimage to a holy site of their choice and the chance to record an album of devotional songs.

Mr. Joshi said the show’s set will resemble a spiritual retreat, possibly with a river or trees in the background.

“The set will create tranquility in the minds of viewers.”

A survey in January this year found that Indians have become more religious in the past five years, partly because of the stress of urban living, with as many as 93 per cent believing in God. — Reuters

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