That’s the one question music lovers will ponder as e celebrate World Music Day.

Events like World Music Day Festival are a great way to appreciate music and connect with music enthusiasts from across the country. Music has the power to change the world and bring people closer. In these difficult times, it is a great opportunity for all of musicians to extend our support to each other through music.

To celebrate this annual music day, which falls on 21^st June, Monarose Sheila Pereira speaks to music lovers to find out what they like about music.

Adriel George, Music Composer

Since I am a Music composer for Films and Theatre, what I like most about music is its ability to influence people’s emotion. It also gives me immense peace of mind, sometimes I can sit at the piano for hours and just improvise. It is also a lot of fun to play together with different musicians, it’s like we are all speaking a different language, but without words. Music from the cinema changed the course of my life. When I was younger; after the film would get over, I would just sit back and take in the music that plays over the end credits and just be absolutely moved by the entire experience, I’d sit there thinking to myself: - This feeling that I’m experiencing…. I want to be able to create it in other people.. through music.

Hemaa Sardesai, Singer and Social Activist.

Music is the soothing balm to a restless heart, an attention-divertor to a tired mind, an energy-booster to a tired body, and one of the best gifts to change human moods. Music to me has been a way and means to bring peace, harmony, inspiration, strength and joy to the hearts of my listerners/audience. The stage that my music put me on, has helped me perform selfless social acts that have helped to resolve/help many a cause/issue for many people and groups. I feel blessed that God chose to bestow me with this gift which I can utilize for the happiness of mankind.

Sayali Godambe, Ukelele musician and Coordinator - NMIMS School of Branding and Advertising

The Ukelele is a member of the lute family of instruments. It has four strings. What I like about music is that, it unknowingly heals you and calms you within. Music helps sooth any mood and always has a beat for your every mood. When you are happy, you automatically play or listen to happy songs. When you are sad, you automatically play or listen to sad songs. All I know is no matter what your mood is music comforts you in a way no one can.

Rahul Krishnan, Guitarist and Student - MMK College,

I started playing guitar when I was in the 8th grade and the learning process was through online. It started as a hobby but eventually the strumming touched my heart and it became my passion. Initially I was more familiar to bollywood track. But yes later I realized the diverse genre of music. As rightly said, "The key is in not spending time, but in investing it". This lockdown I planned to devote the halt to advance my guitar playing skills. My inspiration for playing guitar are Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, John Petrucci. I always feel blissful and eased when I play and innovate a different composition and that keeps me content even at tough times. The amazing thing about playing a musical instrument is that; learning is boundless and pleasure is limitless.

Zubin Narielwala,  Musician and Lawyer

I play bass, guitar and sing lead vocals. Playing music is like meditation. I need to concentrate to get into it, but once I'm playing, my mind is clear and focused. Lines, rhythm, melodies, harmonies all fall into place. Music is also a means of expression. I find that through music, I am able to convey, not only what I'm feeling at that moment, but also views on society, culture and relationships. My music has grown with me, and I am grateful that it is an integral part of my existence. I like myself best when I'm surrounded by music.

Ranjani Gehani, Singer and Author of the book on music, 'Alankars The Riyaz Manual'.

I sing semi classical songs, Ghazals, old hindi film songs, marathi bhav geet etc.I come from a musical family and I used to learn vocal singing from the age of 7. I have been into music; whatever appeals to my ear, throughout my life. Music is universal. It has no language barriers. For me listening to music or singing is like meditation. I'm transported to another world where there's no strife, no hunger or thirst, no ego hassles, no troubles. Only myself and the presence of the Divine Being and eternal peace. Music elevates my mood. Sometimes it is the melody, sometimes the lyrics. Music is the food for my soul. Music is my soulmate.

Vignesh Ishwar, Karnatik music vocalist

Music has always been an integral part of my life. My guru's have not only taught me the musical aspects but have also taught me that my music will be a reflection of the person I am. Thus music has been my constant companion and has shaped my thought process. Music also shaped my academic life and led me to my research and Master's Degree in Sound and Music Computing. Music erases many boundaries for me and gives me a sense of happiness that nothing else does. Today I am fortunate that music has also taken over as my profession.

Monarose Sheila Pereira is an author, journalist, and media professor. She has published several books. She has written for all the major newspapers and magazines and some of her works have been translated into foreign languages. She has worked for All India Radio and Doordarshan. She also conducts self improvement workshops.