Pralay: A Musical Call to Action for Climate Conservation

Artistic Impression

Pralay: A Musical Call to Action for Climate Conservation

Kedar Bhagwat, Anoop Jaipurkar & Jaideep Baphna

In the face of escalating climate change, a new musical band named Pralay has emerged, initiated by alumni of the Ecological Society. Drawing inspiration from the profound verses of Sant Kabir, Pralay aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for nature conservation through the transformative power of music. The term "Pralay," meaning catastrophe, encapsulates the essence of the Ecological Society’s mission: to inspire change and promote environmental consciousness.

The Birth of Pralay

The idea for Pralay was conceived during a torrential downpour in Pune on June 7, 2024. A group of Ecological Society alumni found themselves stranded in a restaurant, watching the relentless rain. One member posed a thought-provoking question: “Is this Pralay?” This sparked a discussion about the alarming signs of climate change that often go unnoticed. They concluded that nature was sending a clear message through its rhythms and sounds, urging humanity to reconsider its destructive habits.

The group recognized that traditional communication about ecology and sustainable living wasn't resonating with the majority. They believed that music could bridge this gap: “Let’s bond, make music, share songs, and write lyrics to bring awareness,” they agreed. As Kedar Bhagwat, one of the band members, noted, “Music connects people across genres and can effectively communicate our urgent message to the public and today’s decision-makers.” Thus, Pralay was formed to use music as a medium to reach those indifferent to environmental issues.

The Music of Pralay

Pralay’s music is a vital response to the climate crisis. Their repertoire features an eclectic mix of songs inspired by Kabir, Saint Tukaram, Meera, and adaptations of modern poets. The lyrics explore the root causes of climate change, emphasizing that our relentless pursuit of materialism—larger cars, bigger homes, and extravagant vacations—fails to bring true happiness. Instead, Pralay encourages audiences to embrace a lifestyle that values the “small, slow, and less.”

Over the past six months, many have expressed appreciation for Pralay's message, noting how the songs and dialogues highlight the rapid degradation caused by our consumptive lifestyles.

Notable Performances

Since its inception, Pralay has made significant strides in spreading its message. Since then, Pralay has performed at notable events, including:

•     Pune Kabir Festival (PKF) on 2 February 2025 at the Ram-Mula Confluence, where their debut during PKF, Kabir and Climate, was attended by over 300 people and covered by Pune Times and Indian Express.

•     Trans-ACT contemporary art exhibition on 1-2 January 2025 at The Box.

•     Sane Guruji Smarak, Mangaon, on 15 February 2025, engaging volunteers of the Smarak.

•    Pune Design Festival on 22 February 2025, performing at the inaugural session attended by designers, architects, and students.

•    Swach chi Jatra on 9 March 2025 at Kalakar Katta, entertaining Swach members who help maintain Pune's cleanliness.

Future Endeavours

Looking ahead, Pralay is set to collaborate with the ‘Avartan Dance Foundation’ for their annual festival, ‘Prayatna’, on April 25-26. This partnership will blend music and dance, amplifying their message of ecological awareness.

Community Impact

The feedback from Pralay’s audiences has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how the band’s performances have resonated deeply and sparked conversations about the urgent need for sustainable living. Pralay’s unique blend of music and dialogue has successfully raised awareness about the rapid degradation of our environment due to consumerist lifestyles.

Meet the Band Members

Band Members

Pralay comprises passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds:

Kedar Bhagwat | Percussionist & Director of Ecological Society	Jaideep Baphna | Band Narrator and Sustainable Living Practitioner
Shekhar Tapaswi | Harmonium player	Sameer Joshi | Tabla player and IT professional
Subir Bhaduri | Guitarist and Ecological Society alumnus	Madhura Purandare Dhande | Female vocalists and professional at Deutsche Bank
Shilpa Kelkar | Female vocalists and HR professional	Swarda Patradkar | Female vocalists and Sustainability strategy and ESG professional at Deloitte
Prachi Ghate | Female vocalists and IT Professional	Priyadarshan Sahasrabuddhe | Male vocalist and founder of Vaayu biogas
Yogesh Kurhade | Male vocalist and architect	Siddharth Biniwale | male vocalist and nature educator
Preetam Manave | Male vocalist and IT professional

In a world facing significant environmental challenges, Pralay stands as a beacon of hope, using the universal language of music to inspire change and foster a deeper connection with nature. Join them on their journey to make a difference, one note at a time.