Jamshedpur, Nov. 4: Given a choice between singers DJ Aqueel and Arati Ankalikar, the steel city students rate both of them on an equal footing.

While the former is popular among the present generation for giving new beats to old songs, the latter is liked for her emotional presentation of any raga, thumri or bhajan.

“I was more accustomed to remix and pop music and my favourites are Bali Sagoo and DJ Aqueel. But, the recent vocal recital of Arati Ankalikar in the city touched my heart as one can sense depth in her presentations. I now have a full volume of Ankalikar’s cassettes,” said Kushagra, a member of Loyola’s rock band.

A look at the preferences and taste shows that the steel city students are gradually attracted towards Indian classical music.

Sneha Das of DAV Public School said, “With the opening of SpicMacay’s sub-chapter in our school, the classical programmes has gained momentum. Earlier, we were unaware of Uma Sharma and Mallivika Mitra (kathak exponents) but now we know them for their outstanding live performance in the city.”

Over the years, the efforts of SpicMacay volunteers in promoting the classical performing art in educational institutions have evoked a good response. Especially, with the corporate houses and business community extending help, the classical music culture has gained momentum.

The organisation plans to open sub-chapters in more number of schools to promote Indian heritage among students.

As the secretary of the city chapter of SpicMacay, Dewal Narayan said, “Present day youth are attracted towards pop and remix culture. It is with this purpose we are targeting educational institutions, especially the schools to let the students accustomed to what Indian culture is about.”