On a high note
Years ago, drugs were synonymous with music in the West, primarily because most pop stars were addicts. This, in a way, glamorised drug addiction. Since then, several pop idols have come clean and admitted to the ill-effects of addictions. In a bid to continue with this commendable effort, the United Nations Drug Control Programme this year announced `awareness of addictions through music' as its theme.

The Muktangan De-addiction Centre, on its part, has adopted this in its awareness program. The result? A music cassette on addictions, that will soon be available in the city. Says Dr. Anil Awchat, director, Muktangan, ``People use alcohol and drugs as a means of escape, for pleasure or to get a high. We feel that music has all these qualities. It can provide tranquillity, joy and be an `alternative high'. The cassette includes various forms of folk music like povada, phatka, ovi and mantra.'' They have even roped in noted Hindustani classical singer Sanjeev Abhyankar, who performed at Muktangan on June 26, as part of the Anti-Narcotics Day celebrations. The next time you feel like a drink, don't. Sing instead.