In the wise words of Hans Christian Andersen, it is said “Where words fail, music speaks.” That’s the power that music holds. It is like a companion walking with us through all the paths of life from a lullaby that calmed us during our childhood, during school kids singing poems like The Alphabet Song, to exploring different genres of music in our adulthood, it has shaped us into who we are. Each year on June 21, the world tunes in to celebrate World Music Day also known as Fête de la Musique, a global event that transcends age, culture and even as a language.
Origin of World Music Day
World Music Day was initially started in France in 1982, by Jack Lang the French Minister of Culture along with composer and music director Maurice Fleuret. It is stated that a large number of youth played musical instruments in France but never performed among a large group of people in public. That’s when the Ministry of Culture realized that music needs to be bought in public as recognised as a universal thing and to promote cultural exchange. The city of Paris then hosted its first World Music Day event on June 21st to celebrate the summer solstice with live music.
Over 120 countries across the world celebrate world music day including France, Italy, Australia, and the United States.
This global event is recognized by several names around the world, demonstrating its universal appeal. In France, it is known as La Fête de la Musique, while in the United Kingdom, it is called Make Music Day. Italy commemorates it as Festa della Musica, and Poland as Święto Muzyki. In Germany, it’s known as Tag der Musik, and in Brazil as Dia da Música. Regardless of the nomenclature, the spirit remains the same: bringing people together through the universal language of music.
India too adopted World Music Day in the early 2000s, with growing participation from music schools, independent artists and platforms like NH7, Radio Mirchi, Spotify and JioSaavn. Spotify and Apple Music release special World Music Day playlists, showcasing voices from underrepresented cultures. In France the streets turn into open stages giving a platform for people of all backgrounds to perform. Whereas in cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco they have music festivals, open mic nights and more to honour this day and musicians.
Unlike concerts or clubs, there are no commercial benefits. It’s just an atmosphere filled with people who voluntarily with open hearts and minds perform and gather everyone. It brings a spirit of openness, joy and a different kind of love for music. It makes people know that music is not just a money making factor or a competition but it’ s all about a passion and a universal form of expression that unites people, evokes emotions and has the power to heal.
The goal of this day is to promote music as a universal language or expression and make it accessible to all.
As we step into 2025, amidst global uncertainty, digital noise and cultural fragmentation, the unifying force of music becomes more relevant than ever. This year’s theme, “Healing Through Harmony”, emphasizes music’s power to understand emotions, act as a therapeutic measure and bring harmony amongst people to come together to share their love for music.
World Music Day is a call to action not just for artists or musicians but for people to recognize music in its purest form.
Today this day has grown into an opportunity for the home bound to enjoy it through virtual events making it even more inclusive for all. Also, social media plays a part in this through which there are livestreams from our favourite DJ or Artists, to classical ragas workshops or events on zoom have found a way to bring the internet together and connect them through musical melody.
Why is music a universal language?
Music has a way of speaking an unspoken language. It may not be grammatically correct or for some not make sense, yet every rhythm, tone, structure has a way of transcending words. Just like we have different languages, each music too has a language. Music is sung and played in different languages through different instruments. Whether it is in English, Hindi, Marathi, French, Spanish, Latin each music has its way of representing emotions, stories and a strong message through it.
A lullaby sung in a regional language or in another country can calm a child through its soothing effects. It can make them feel like they are safe and calm as if in a mothers embrace. A sad melody can evoke grief without speaking a single thing. Whereas classical compositions, african drum beats, jazz instrumental music, rock music and folk songs all come under these dialects within the global musical tongue. Even our national anthems as a song have the power to make any region feel proud, embrace cultural diversity, traditions, history and more.
Music through the notes can be read, spoken by lyrics and heard by listening and understanding. Therefore it does play an important role in communication. It’s also a therapy for those who struggle with verbal language, like individuals with autism or speech impairments music becomes a tool of expression for them.
In fact there are studies that have proved that music can help boost productivity, improve mood and support cognitive function. Music is more effective especially while working on repetitive tasks and helps stay focused. Reports have stated that 90% of workers perform better with music and 88% produce more accurate work. (source: hppy)
Music has a strong impact on the brain’s emotional centers, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus. The amygdala helps process emotions, while the hippocampus is key to forming and recalling memories. When we listen to music, both areas become active, which is why music often triggers deep emotions and vivid memories. Infants too just a few months old can differentiate between pleasant and unpleasant musical sounds. This suggests that the human brain is naturally wired to recognize and respond to music.
Music in Academics: A Learning Catalyst
In the education sector right from childhood when teachers used to play nursery rhymes till we grew up music has always been a part and parcel of our education life. In India in most preschools and primary schools, teachers use nursery rhymes like Lakdi Ki Kaathi or Nani Teri Morni to teach language, rhythm, and basic concepts in a fun and engaging way. These songs help children grasp new words, improve pronunciation, and develop memory through melody and repetition. As students grow older, music remains an integral part of school life, morning assemblies begin with patriotic songs like Vande Mataram or Saare Jahan Se Achha, which instill a sense of national pride and unity.
Cultural programs and annual functions often showcase traditional and contemporary music performances, where students learn classical ragas, regional folk songs, and even Bollywood numbers—encouraging stage confidence and appreciation of India’s rich musical heritage. In many CBSE and ICSE schools, music is offered as an elective subject, with students learning instruments or vocals as part of their academic curriculum.
Music is more than creative expression as it enhances academic performance and cognitive growth. Research shows that students involved in music often show better memory, reading skills, and pattern recognition. Music’s connection to rhythm and counting also boosts math and logical thinking. Many schools also introduce students to instruments like piano, guitar, tabla, and keyboard; this helps build focus, coordination, and discipline. Group activities like choirs, singing competitions, and bands during sports day builds teamwork, patience, empathy, and emotional well-being. Additionally, music supports language development by improving pronunciation, articulation, and the ability to grasp new languages through singing and listening exercises.
Institutions like the Rishi Valley School emphasize classical music as part of their holistic education model, while government initiatives like the Kala Utsav promote music and arts at the school level across the country. Even in classrooms, soft instrumental music is sometimes played in the background to help improve concentration and reduce stress. Clearly, in India, music is not just a subject—it’s a powerful educational tool that nurtures creativity, emotional intelligence, and cultural identity.
Modern Impact & Future of Music
In 2025, music continues to evolve beyond just artistic expression—it has become a vital force for healing, activism, and technological innovation. Music therapy is now widely used to treat conditions like autism, dementia, depression, and PTSD, with Indian hospitals incorporating raga-based healing sessions to reduce stress. On the social front, music remains a powerful tool for change, with artists like Billie Eilish championing environmental causes and genres like rap, hip-hop, and folk giving voice to marginalized communities. Meanwhile, the rise of AI in music creation has transformed the landscape, with generative tools, voice-cloning, and personalized compositions making music production more accessible than ever. While debates around authenticity continue, there’s no doubt that technology is redefining who can create music and how it’s experienced.
World Music Day reminds us that we don’t need to speak the same language to feel the same rhythm. Whether it’s a jazz solo, a bhajan, a rap verse, or a techno beat—music helps us listen to each other’s stories without judgment.
So on June 21, 2025, take a moment to pause. Listen to a song from a culture you’ve never explored. Pick up an instrument you left years ago. Share a playlist with a friend. Or simply close your eyes and let the music flow.
Because in a world full of noise, music continues to be the purest form of human connection.
