How Mumbai-based Dhamma Wings share the beliefs of Buddha and Ambedkar through song

Dhamma Wings

Kabeer Shakya was all of 21 - with a degree in computer science - when he had a spiritual and musical awakening. As is common for children in his community to do, he set off to live the life of a monk in Bodhgaya for three months. His family had suggested he experience this for a few days before joining work. "My Thai teacher told me that the teachings of Buddha were from India and asked me to read more about Buddhism," says Shakya, a Navi Mumbai resident. The more he learnt its principles, the more he was mesmerized.

Kabeer Shakya

Soon, the deep connections between Buddhism in India and Dr BR Ambedkar became apparent. "I read about Babasaheb's role in bringing attention to Buddhism in the country," he says. These beliefs were a gift, Shakya says he realised, and they needed to be shared with everyone. The best way that he knew to make them accessible to more people was through the universal art of music.

That is how the Dhamma Wings came to be in 2011. Dhamma is the doctrine of the Buddha so the band's effort is to give wings to those ideologies. It comprises of five members -- drummer Swapnil More, bass guitarist Rahul Kamble, keyboardist Srijit Banerjee, lead guitarist Rohan Zodge and vocalist Shakya. They have performed across India and parts of the world.

The songs incorporate the teachings of both Buddha and Dr Ambedkar separately. "But at the same time we try to maintain the connection that because of Babasaheb, the teachings of Buddha came back in the country," informs Shakya. Their originals songs include ‘Jay Bhim Se', ‘Jai Bhim Nara Gunje', ‘Ao Milke Chale Buddh Ki Oar'. Blending melodious tunes with elements of rock, ‘Jay Bhim Se' comments on the need for equality using English, Hindi and Marathi lyrics.
"Virtue", says Shakya, "is the biggest lesson that I have learnt from both Babasaheb and Buddha. It doesn't matter how well-educated you are if you don't have virtue." Shakya also believes that it is important for an artist - as much as possible - to use their soapbox to talk about the issues rankling their country. "Take the examples of Michael Jackson and Bob Marley," he says. "If you listen to MJ's ‘All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us', he is trying to raise a voice for people who were being suppressed or not being heard. Or take Bob Marley's ‘No Woman No Cry'. They took responsibility…"

The main intention behind the forming of Dhamma Wings was to counter caste discrimination. As such, Shakya does not want the label of a ‘Dalit rock band' applied by the media, and wants the group to be known simply as a music band.

Looking back at their 10-year journey, the lead vocalist believes that the new generation - especially the youth in both urban and rural areas are much more aware about social issues. According to him, social media has also played a huge role in this. "Even mainstream media has made efforts to make every voice heard," he observes. "Earlier Babasaheb was just identified with a particular community. But now there is more awareness about the fact that his teachings are universal," adds Shakya.

The band is working on a song called ‘We are because he was' next, in tribute to Babasaheb. As soon as we can shoot the video, we will release it." With April being observed as Dalit History Month all over the world, Shakya's message is that everyone ought to keep educating themselves about their surroundings. "People need to raise their voices when they see injustice happening around them." More awakening is due.