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Group 4: Dickyi Tsering, Nakia West, & Tracey Ramcharan __**How Media has Westernized Indian Culture**__ Media has been generating awareness on various social problems like dowry, female foeticide, infanticide, murder, Kidnapping, rape, Child abuse and human trafficking. Shows like Crime Patrol, gives the audience a view of what is happening in India that they are not aware of. Ignorance plays a big part of why these problems take place. Media’s focus on real events bring Indian society to a new light and westernized the minds of culturally developed people. It also brings into focus any atrocities faced by weaker sections of the society. Not only does, Media westernized the awareness of crime happening in India but also the idea of healthcare. India believes in Ayurvedic medicine but with Media, disease like Cancer have a chance of being cured. Its generating awareness on good practices like health, hygiene, nutrition, therefore improving the living standards. Media is responsible for the success of green revolution in India during 60's by popularizing the usage of high yielding varieties, fertilizers, pesticides and other farm management techniques. green revolution has improved the living standard of poor by enhancing their incomes. many new entrepreneurs from weaker sections of the society emerged. This has enabled them to rise in the social ladder and stay on par with the so called upper castes. Media is responsible for generating pan India identity and enabling people to loosen their parochial and narrower identities. Media also has been showing in new employment opportunities that are available in the market. this has enabled a common man with requisite skills to grab them. Media is also responsible for spreading in latest fashion and upcoming technology. Music plays a significant role in Bollywood films and is used in such a way to help tell the story. The song, “Ketaki Gulab Juhi,” comes from the 1956 film, Basant Bahar. This song features classical vocal music and also incorporates India’s unique culture by the use of traditional instruments. Unlike some modern films, this classic strictly uses Hindi language and features traditional Indian practices. This song and others from the soundtrack feature a full orchestra combined with traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar, sarod, violin, dholak, and tabla. The male and female singers take turns singing in order to help narrate the story and only use Hindi lyrics. Songs contribute greatly to the gross earnings of a Hindi film. As a result, filmmakers look for more contemporary music and lyrics in order to appeal to the younger generation, who make up a significant percentage of the population. In the 2011 film, Luv Ka The End, many aspects of the film appealed to a younger audience and contained themes much different than those used in traditional films. In order to go along with these newer themes, the music in the movie is much more modernized than classic Bollywood music.For example: The song, “ Freak Out,” is almost completely different from classic Bollywood music. In this song, male and female vocalists interact, a common technique used in Bollywood film music. Unlike traditional music, this song and many others featured in the film are a lot more rock-based. More contemporary compositions such as rock are given priority to attract the younger audience but they rarely depict India’s unique culture.In modern films, English is sometimes spoken or featured in the songs. In a more recent Bollywood films such as Tashan it contains both English and Hindi lyrics. In “Dil Dance Maare Re” from Tashan, Hindi and English words are used interchangeably throughout the song.

Despite the outlandish development in the international expansion of different types of media, television remains the most global and dominant. Television has made steady advances and profound impacts on the Indian society where millions are unable to read and write. Television has westernized and has a positive impact on the Indian culture because it allows the society to express themselves and discuss issues that they find interesting about other parts of the world. For example, people of the Indian society have more things to discuss amongst each other and it allows each and everyone to learn from each other as well as stimulate the mind. The westernization of the Indian culture allows the people of the Indian society to engage and entertain their minds. Television networks such as MTV allows the young adults to be informed of different types of music that is accessible to other parts of the world. It also allows them to become more Americanized in the way they speak and dress. Television networks such as Lifetime may prepare and inform the Indian society of bad events and crimes that take place and prepare them to deal with these difficult situations. Since television has provided the Indian society to be more informed of different trends, fads, and events that take place in western culture it positively impacts the Indian culture.

There are many negative aspects of Media itself, it not only invades privacy of people but also may pass on invalid messages. It may instill cultural stereotypes and also have a deep impression of western culture rather than your own culture. There are many disadvantages on how Indian culture westernized through the influence of media. In past movies such as Devdas, Indian culture was very traditional especially the ways of how the characters acted, spoke and dressed. However, in modern day films, such as Dev D many things have changed, they have less traditional trends and have become westernized. In Dev D planned events were less extravagant and traditional. When it came to clothing, they did not wear traditional Indian outfits, they wore regular clothing such as jeans and shirts, not saris and kurtas. The characters did not speak formal Hindi, but regular Hindi and as well as some English. In the film, they did not truly respect their elders when it came to speaking. Also, religion is an extremely important part of the traditional Indian culture; however in this film the Hindu religion was barely noticeable because they did not show any emphasis of it. Since this film was set in present day, many traditions have been “thrown out the window” because media has changed the way people look at things. The influence of media has westernized the Indian culture from classical Indian traditions to basic modern trends. However, there are also advantages on how the Indian culture westernized through the influence of media. The idea of Media changing a culture is seen to be both negative and positive in ways. Media has become the pillar of the society itself, Healthy society is not possible without a healthy media. While being westernized for the positive aspects, it should also be able to preserve your own culture before you lose it to western culture. The information that is put on any kind of media should check and then post it up.

References: http://worldfilm.about.com/od/bollywood/a/historyofbollywood.htm Youtube videos (Songs) http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/india-country-profile.html


 * Group 2: **Milana Zirkiyeva, Sheree Javed, Ronnie Fann, Dinisha Govind


 * Topic: The Traces of Indian Music and Dance from Vedic Times and its Connection to Modern Generations **

The outlooks to cultural development in India varied from a number of sources, which are portrayed in mediums such as music, dance and books. The music that has made India unique for its style and gesture has been traced back to Vedic times as it was developed through the written hymns and recitation of a song. These songs consisted of ideals, which demonstrated some sort of romanticism while narrating the struggles and strives of the gods and goddesses. The goal in performing such lyrical notion was to praise, adore and teach about a culture that was to be preserved. These methods have successfully been handed down from generations. The Vedas maintain a number of hymns which are often recited during a time of prosper or during a time of repression. The hymns are currently recited and reserved as holiness and devotion. These hymns are also seen interpreted in outlooks of dance and performance. The origin of classical dance is proportional to the origin of performance in religious practices. The tale of the initiation of classical dance was described during a time of the mythology of gods and goddesses. It was said that during a time where there was nothing to do, the gods retold tales in gestures and each point of a finger or tap of a foot was significant in symbolizing something that may be of joy to sorrow. Dance has evolved and still taught. The preservation of culture has been remarkably successful.  The various contributions to the ancient teachings of Indian culture and language have been traced back to Vedic times. Over a period of time, it has been observed that the impacts of society and global influence has altered the distribution of the classical tune of music and coordinated structure of dance. Classical Hindi music was an outlook to demonstrating their immense devotion to the gods and religious rituals and practices. The structure of classical dance was often observed in temples and religious functions where each gesture was a representation of devotion, purity and the reminiscence of eternal bliss. The classical dances were derived from various mythological literatures. These often consisted of narrations of strives and struggle of reaching a goal, the battle of love between the individuals of different society status and the wise tale of an elderly. Classical forms of dance that are well known are kathak, manipuri, odissi among other forms. Kathak was widely influenced by both Hindu and Islamic characteristics, which was commonly seen among the Mughal community. The romance of Radha and Krishna is often depicted through this style of dance. Manipuri is commonly linked to lyrical dance, which demonstrate a narration of some sort. Odissi was traced as the oldest style of dance to 2200 B.C. The style of dance has changed over the course of time as it has changed with society. The melodic structure of classic Hindu music is widely popularized throughout India. The tunes and lyrics contribute to the cultural influence of teaching the world of what the essence of culture is to the Indian community. The music consists of raga and tala, which are rhythm and melody. All music commonly consists of the string from the sitar and the beat of a drum. The classical music often varies according to its performer from qawwali to ghazals and ritual chanting, however they all consist of one unity. They all unify under a devotion to a creator, almighty or leader of some sort. The Rig Vedic traces of classical music were embedded through Vedas hymns and chants. This method was used in order to preserve the culture and religious teachings. Natyashstra and Naradiyashiksha were among the earliest treatise on Vedic chants. The variation of classical music and dance has been passed down from older generations as a token of religious teachings. However, the methods of classical dance and music have dramatically changed as time has progressed. There is an impact on modernization and the mentality of society. The change can be seen from the purity and conservative of society to the openness and elaboration of mankind.  In India, the radio industry has been the catalyst that brought Indian news, songs, and movies around the subcontinent of India and beyond. Music and dance have been present in Indian society since the Vedic times; they were associated with the rituals and ceremonies for the Gods.  Broadcasting began in India in 1924 with the formation of a private radio service in Madras (presently Chennai). In the very same year, British colonial government approved a license to a private company, the Indian Broadcasting Company, to launch radio stations in Bombay and Kolkata. In 1936, this corporation was renamed All India Radio (AIR) and was controlled by the Department of Communications. When India became independent in 1947, AIR was made a separate department under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.  The early history of Indian radio broadcasting in independent India set the parameters for the succeeding role of television in the nation. At Independence, the congress government under Jawaharlal Nehru followed three major goals: firstly, to achieve political integration; secondly, to attain economic development; and finally, to achieve social modernization. Indian broadcast media was expected to play an important role in all three areas. In those days, radio was considered as an integral medium of communication, primarily due to the absence of any motion medium. All the national affairs and social changes were informed through the waves of broadcast media and within no time, popularity of radio spread nationwide. Indian radio proved to be a prime medium social integration. Although radio was used initially to as a source of communication of news in India, it soon became a primary source of music in India.  Although many would think that the days of radio would be over because of the introduction of new technology such as iPods and mp3 players, the radio is still being used today. There are also online versions of radio stations, which show that the radio industry is keeping up with today’s standards.  The movie industry has done much to help facilitate Indian dance and music to the western world. Music and dance has always been integrated in India. Going back to Vedic times they have been associated with the rituals and ceremonies used to appease the gods. The Rig Veda, the most sacred of Indian texts hold many of these hymns that were composed by monks of that age. These hymns were chanted along with dance to appease the gods. However, in movies the dance and music are more secular in nature. This has caused some concern among the people of India because they feared that the culture was not being represented accurately.  In early movies because dance was considered improper for a woman of the upper castes many of the roles of women were played by men. Also it was rare for a dancer to sing their own songs in a movie. They would have another singer in the background. The role of women in movies increased as the country became worldlier in their views. Many of the movies that have been released focus on love between dancer and a viewer or admirer, not many depict the culture of faith and belief that is so strong in Indian culture.  With the introduction of sound in cinema in around 1939 choreographed dance and music routines became ubiquitous throughout Hindi and Indian films. Dance in early Hindi films was modeled on classical Indian dance styles and particularly from the historic North Indian courtesans (tawaifs), or folk dancers. Modern films often blend this earlier style with western dance styles, though it is not usual to see western choreography and adapted classical dance numbers side by side in the same film. Typically the hero or heroine performs with a troupe of supporting dancers. Indian films use what is now called “item numbers” where a glamorous female figure performs a cameo. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> The influence on popular culture by dance sequences of the films can be seen in the copying of dance moves at parties and weddings and urban festivals. The Indian’s music and dance culture has remained constant and unchanged from its original form. Many of the historical aspects can still be seen in music and dance today. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> As mentioned earlier, songs and dance have been used in Indian and Hindi movies. The same is true about TV shows. It has been shown how it is important for every member of the family within the home that believes in the Hindu Gods to believe in God. There is the worship of the Gods whether it is Vishnu, Shiva, or other Gods. Within the homes there is a small temple created where there is a special area for the worship of the Hindu Gods. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Presence of the Gods and the connection to songs and dance shows the association to the Vedic times. In these times, the worship of Gods was of great significance and this is greatly reflected in homes of Hindi people. Songs and dances are dedicated to the family. Events related to worship brought members of the families together and cause them to prepare for these events. Preparation took time and effort so all members of the family were thanked for their contribution. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Even a recent TV show which was created two years ago shows this importance of worship and family. This TV show is Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon. All members have great contributions to the worship of the Gods and other holidays. This is done through songs and dances, but also through family members encouraging each other. The grandmothers in the household are the heads and are the ones who hold all the control. They try their best to help all members to follow all the holidays. Songs and dances are of great importance in TV shows. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> India has the oldest unbroken musical tradition in the world. It is said that the origins of Indian music came from the Hindu God Brahma. The belief was that the Brahma was the creator of both the universe and music. The origins of the music started off as poems that were created to praise the spiritual deities such as Indra, Agni, and etc. Before the Vedic music became theatrical and for the performances had an alternate use. The primary use of Vedic music was to read the sacred texts. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Indian music is highly reliant on symbolism and deeper meaning. There is a lot of underlying themes that contribute to creating Indian songs. This is true for all types of Indian languages. For example with Malayalam music, the actions done in the songs can represent things that are happening within society, or what might happen later on in the movie that the song is part of. Sometimes these underlying symbolisms might regard things that are happening outside of the country and other times it might be referring to political turmoil that are occurring within India. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Aside from having symbolic references to current and political events, Indian music also refers to various Gods in their music. Not only do they talk about the Gods in their songs they also refer to how God was helping them. There are a lot of subtleties that refer to how various Gods have helped out people or the Greatness of Gods. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> As the internet started to develop so did the traditional music of India. In Indian music there started to have references to things that were happening in other countries. Aside from that the internet and the use of web sites started to broaden the spectrum of different style of Indian music. It’s true that each region of India has their music but with increase use of websites its clears to see how there started to be a mixing of the different types of styles. Another thing that occurred because of the increased use of internet is how the Indian music started to spread around the world. Overall, it is seen through all the media that the traces of Indian music and dance from Vedic times have connection to our modern generations. There are some changes, but in general the Indian culture of dance and songs has stayed intact within the generations. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;">[]
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">References **
 * 1) <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Bindloss, Joseph. //Northeast India//. London: Lonely Planet, 2009. eBook. <http://www.worldcat.org/title/northeast-india/oclc/310400615>.
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 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kIey2rq0kc
 * 6) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1037&context=ratnesh_dwivedi&seiredir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dhistory%2520of%2520indian%2520radio%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D3%26ved%3D0CEEQFjAC%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fworks.bepress.com%252Fcgi%252Fviewcontent.cgi%253Farticle%253D1037%2526context%253Dratnesh_dwivedi%26ei%3D_CGUY21JLbG4APs54C4Dw%26usg%3DAFQjCNG0rfJDRb0FPEV0N6rqY3EdO85ObA#search=%22history%20indian%20radio%22
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