Shillong: Eminent Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj on April 4 said he was ready to go to Iraq if a music programme was arranged in the war-torn country.

The Padma Vibhushan awardee told reporters that he had performed in Punjab in 1990 at the height of Khalistani movement and in Pakistan in 1998 and succeeded in changing the attitude of the people there.

"If death is fated, no Iraq or Iran issue can prevent it," he said.

Refusing to buy the idea of "music for peace", Pandit Jasraj said composing a new piece of music for any issue is a new concept.

"If you listen to pop or rap music, there is no message, only language. But the message of Indian classical music flowing for thousands years speak of peace and devotion only. No new message is required as Indian classical music is already an embodiment of peace and devotion."

Asked if he could do something for those taking up guns in the North East, the Mumbai-based vocalist retorted, "Bring a few of them and make them sit for a few hours (in my programme) and see the change in them."

Classical music, he said, has something, which can tell people that guns are not required, Panditji said.

He said it was not the youths who wanted to listen to pop or rap but "it is we who make the youths demand this type of music for money only. Don't blame the younger generation", the veteran musician said.

PTI