Renowned composer and singer of the Hindi film industry Shankar Mahadevan has lamented the fact that schools in parts of the country were teaching pupils ‘English music’ rather than introducing them to Indian classical music, reports Business Standard.

“Why English music is being taught in some schools? The government should make arrangements to promote Indian classical music among students,” he remarked before journalists in Shirdi.

The noted music director was on a religious trip to Shirdi along with his family with the purpose of praying at the Saibaba temple.

Mahadevan also revealed that he has started giving free classes at his academy for talented aspiring musicians coming from economically weak backgrounds. “I am working with many schools and at present, I have taken up the 'Inspire India' project to make music accessible to poor students through the 'Shankar Mahadevan Academy' free of cost,” he stated.

He also claimed that through his academy he was promoting Indian music globally in 76 countries.

Responding to a question about whether it was fair that in music competitions on television only one person won and others were left disappointed, Mahadevan stated that even other participants in those shows would be remembered by the audiences and this would be advantageous to them in the future.

He added that such contestants were able to earn money by conducting performances on cultural occasions, birthdays and other such functions.