GSRI 2025 Intern
About Mehar Kaur
Mehar Kaur is a rising senior and an IB Diploma candidate who has always been deeply connected to Sikhi and Gurmat Sangeet. Her journey began at a young age, learning kirtan from her mother and further expanding her understanding of Gurmat Sangeet under the guidance of mentors such as Harlove Singh, Darhan Singh, and Bhai Manmohan Singh. With eight years of experience playing the dilruba, Mehar has developed a strong foundation in the instrumental aspects of Gurmat Sangeet and regularly participates in kirtan programs in sadh sangat. She is especially passionate about exploring the theoretical dimensions of raags and their significance within Gurmat Sangeet. Through opportunities like the Gurmat Sangeet Research Internship, Mehar hopes to deepen her instrumental expertise and broaden her theoretical knowledge, allowing her to contribute more meaningfully to the preservation and understanding of Gurmat Sangeet.
About my project
Neuroscience of Emotional Perception in Gurmat Sangeet: How Shudh and Vakrit Notes in Raags Create Individual Experiences
This paper examines the relationship between neuroscience and Gurmat Sangeet, with a specific focus on how shudh (pure) and vakrit (altered) notes in raags contribute to individual emotional experiences. By introducing Gurmat Sangeet raags and the significance of their unique melodic structures, this study aims to understand psychological and neurological mechanisms that shape how the listeners emotionally and neurologically respond to music. The analysis is divided into three sections: (1) an overview of Gurmat Sangeet and emotional and cognitive significance; (2) an explanation of shudh and vakrit surs and their functions; and (3) an investigation of how the musical elements contribute to emotional perceptions at an individual level.