International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Music has, undeniably, a positive and conducive impact on the perturbed human mind. USing this very trait of this art form, the therapists all over the world treat their patients witn music through music therapy. Rabindrasangeet, the songs written by Rabindranath 1agore (the poet laureate) mainly in Bengali and later translated in different languages ot India and the world, is a very popular form of music among the Bengalis in the eastern part oi lndia. It is often used to treat patients with mental disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through the alrcady established therapy called Rabindrik Psychotherapy. However, till date, there exists no such treatment to reducc the anxicty level and modify the problem behaviours of speeial needs individuals. The researchers conducted 3 case studies of three special needs individuals based in Kolkata and Mumbai, India. Owing to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemie, they carried out semi-structured telephonic interviews of the mothers (primary caregivers) of these individuals, a private music teacher, a special educator and two music teachers attached to a special sehootn Kolkata to nvestigate the impact of Rabindrasangeet on the problem behaviours of these challenged individuals. It was found out that the seothing tune of this genre does play a positive role in bringing down the anxiety level and problem behavíours like self-hitting, self-biting, aggression etc. These individuals experience a calming effect on their mind and a subtle joy while listening to Rabindrasangeet and exhibit socially acceptable behaviours.

Keywords: Rabindrasangeet, Special needs individuals, Problem behaviours, Music therapy, Rabindrik Psychotherapy