Rajasthan’s Bundi has become the first district in the state to successfully ban DJ music in public and private programs, as well as street processions. The move has brought particular relief to young students and the elderly and all credit goes to DM Dr. Ravindra Goswami.
NEED OF THE HOUR
Some students had approached the DM’s office in early February expressing their concerns over ongoing DJ processions in the district that were interfering with their exam preparation.
Dr. Goswami realised something had to be done to address the issue. In the days following, more representation from various committees raised their concerns with the DC over the loud music.
A public committee comprising community representatives was set up. They heard arguments about the negative impacts of loud music and unanimously passed a proposal for a complete ban on DJ music in early March, said the IAS officer.
“We made them understand that DJ music isn’t a part of our religious tradition. When loud DJ music is played at processions, people cannot even hear each other,” Dr. Goswami shared in an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds.
DJ BAN
Now in Bundi, DJ processions have been made punishable under the Motor Vehicle Act. Loud music played by DJs is a health hazard as the 250 decibels at which it is usually played is incompatible with human hearing.
A person’s hearing threshold is 85 dB. We can only listen to a sound of 100 dB for 14 minutes before the nerves in our ears are damaged.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Representatives from various communities, including Gautam Samaj, Meena, Sindhi, Gurjar, Sikh, Bairwa, Meghwal, Jangid, Jain, Raiger have delivered declarations to the DM and SP stating that DJ music will not be played at community and personal celebrations.
Consequent to the action, over a dozen processions, have marched through Bundi city, towns, and adjoining villages, playing traditional bands replacing DJ music. The development also boosted the spirits of traditional band musicians, who expect brighter days ahead.
IT’S A BAND PARTY
With the district-wide ban on 400 DJs, almost 4,000 band members have found work. Traditional band players and instruments are back in demand. These bands travel for only 30-40 minutes and are bearable.
The former DJs have accepted the mandate and are gradually opting for other employment.
