In a groundbreaking development for cultural and musical diversity, kirtan, the devotional singing integral to the Sikh faith, has been officially incorporated into the United Kingdom’s graded music examination framework. Starting this Friday, students can embark on a formal curriculum for “Sikh Sacred Music,” marking the first recognition of its kind in the UK.
Harjinder Lallie, a renowned Birmingham-based musician and academic, has spearheaded this initiative after dedicating over a decade to elevating kirtan alongside Western classical traditions. “Our goal throughout all this is to ensure that we preserve our heritage for generations to come,” said Dr. Lallie, who teaches at the Gurmat Sangeet Academy in the UK. His relentless efforts have culminated in the acceptance and launch of a curriculum that places kirtan on par with instruments like the violin and piano, ensuring its traditional practices endure.
Kirtan involves the melodic recitation of shabad, or scriptures from the Guru Granth Sahib, serving as a profound method of devotion and praise within Sikhism. The inclusion of Sikh Sacred Music into the Music Teachers’ Board (MTB) examination system offers students the opportunity to earn UCAS points for higher grades (6-8), facilitating their entry into universities across the nation.
David Kesel, Managing Director of MTB, expressed enthusiasm about the integration. “It’s really nice to see that the people who learn Sikh Sacred Music will now be recognized for their hard work and receive qualifications for what they’re learning, just like those studying the piano or guitar,” he remarked. Kesel highlighted that MTB, already a leading exam board used in over 50 countries, is committed to diversifying music education by incorporating a wider array of cultural traditions.
The new curriculum not only celebrates kirtan but also recognizes five traditional Indian string instruments: dilruba, taus, esraj, sarangi, and saranda. Historically, kirtan was performed with these stringed instruments nearly 550 years ago. However, over the past century and a half, the harmonium became the dominant instrument, leading to a significant loss of musical heritage. Dr. Lallie emphasized the importance of reviving these traditional sounds: “This examination system requires candidates to perform kirtan on traditional stringed instruments, not the harmonium. By doing this, we encourage children to connect deeply with their roots and heritage.”
The MTB’s initiative was developed in collaboration with the South Asian Music Committee, a collective of leaders and organizations at the forefront of Sikh Sacred Music education worldwide. Jasvir Singh, Chair of the City Sikhs community group in the UK, lauded the move as a pivotal step for Sikh identity. “It gives that form of spiritual music the academic worth it rightly deserves in the UK. I hope it will inspire more British Sikhs to explore their heritage with pride while achieving the qualifications needed for further education,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the integration of Sikh Sacred Music into the UK’s examination system is just the beginning. Plans are underway to introduce accredited exams for other traditional instruments, including the tabla, sitar, and sarod, by early next year. This expansion underscores a broader mission to celebrate and preserve diverse musical traditions, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for future generations.
As the UK embraces kirtan within its formal music education framework, it not only honors a rich cultural heritage but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse musical landscape for all its students.
