Music and Youth
Vijay Lazarus is Indian Music Industry’s president
MUMBAI: In an effort to resurrect itself from a catastrophic loss making situation the Indian Music Industry (IMI) has appointed Vijay Lazarus as its full time president.
The appointment comes as a booster dose to the Rs.18 billion loss laden (over the last 3 years) music industry in its crusade against piracy and in reiterating its commitment to the Indian entertainment industry and the economy as a whole.
Lazarus will serve a dual responsibility as full time IMI president and also Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) president. PPL is the exclusive copyright society of the recording industry).
Lazarus added, “The Indian music industry has been going through a very tough phase due to the rampant piracy. But IMI’s relentless efforts have paid off and our cause has generated momentum over the years.
“At IMI, we believe that the Indian music industry has immense growth potential to sustain not only the music companies and the artistes, but also play a part in the development of the economy.
“The music industry in USA contributes about five per cent to its GDP annually. We believe that with sustained efforts at curbing piracy and reformed laws and policies, we can turn around this depleting state and revive the rich cultural heritage of Indian music that we almost lost to piracy.
“I am confident that we can not only better the USA average by contributing effectively to the growth of the country, but also take Indian music and its artistes to greater echelons around the globe.”
Ironically, the Indian music industry is the fifth largest consumer of music units in the world (181.1 million units). However due to rampant piracy and lack of deterrent punishment to pirates and other issues being faced by IMI, it lacks way behind at no. 18 in the world in terms of music value (0.6 per cent of world sales).
IMI’ will undergo a complete re-organisation of s activities is being brought about that will reflect the present realities of the business. New initiatives in legal and enforcement actions are being aimed at enhancing the non-physical format revenues.
The IMI is currently seeking strategic governmental intervention for the amendment of the Copyright Act as well as appeals for exemptions and relief’s from levies. Towards this cause, introduction of a stringent licensing regime for the commercial use of music under Collective Administration and the active monetisation of revenues from existing and new streams will be the major thrust areas for the music Industry in its efforts for a turnaround.
MUMBAI: Mumbai is about to witness something it has never seen before. The Global Youth Festival arrives on 6-7 December at Jio World Garden with 15,000 attendees and 60-plus experiences sprawled across six sprawling arenas. On its sixth edition, this is no ordinary jamboree—it is a carefully orchestrated collision of wellness, adventure, arts, music, yoga and social change.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis will throw open the proceedings with a landmark ceremony, signalling the state’s backing for a movement that has already mobilised youth across 20-plus countries and 170-plus cities. The sheer scale is staggering: 500-plus volunteers powering the machine, 600,000-plus volunteer hours logged across previous editions, and millions of lives touched annually.
The speaker roster is formidable. Diipa Büller-Khosla and Dipali Goenka, chief executive of Welspun India, will share the stage with Malaika Arora in conversations spanning leadership, creativity and culture. Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Mansukhbhai Mandaviya will also attend, reinforcing GYF’s reach into the corridors of power.
But this is not mere talk. The Solaris Mainstage promises concerts from renowned Indian artists. Innerverse delivers a 360-degree LED spectacle of art, technology and sound. The Love and Care Arena houses hands-on projects spanning women’s empowerment, child education, rural upliftment and animal welfare. India’s largest outdoor sound-healing experience awaits. An inflatable obstacle course, neon drifter karts and open-sky bouldering cater to thrill-seekers.
Some have branded GYF the “Coachella of Consciousness.” Others call it “India’s Largest Sober Festival.” Spiritual visionary Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, who inspired the festival, will deliver the Wisdom Masterclass. Every rupee goes to charity.
After Mumbai comes Kolkata on 14 December. New York looms next year. For one weekend in December, Mumbai becomes the epicentre of youth-driven change—and nothing will be quite the same after.
Tickets available on BookMyShow. Visit youthfestival.srmd.org or follow @globalyouthfestival on Instagram.
