New York-based rock band Solar Punch, which is on a green mission, performed in Srinagar recently to spread awareness about the environment, ecology and other social issues relevant to a sustainable lifestyle.

The band sang about water, about energy and about ways to utilise clean power, which has minimum carbon emission. Their message was simple that people themselves are the solution and can undo the damage done to the environment.

Other than Alan Bigelow, the four member band includes bass guitarist Andrew Mattina, drummer Joe Mitch and guitarist James Dean Conklin.

Band members highlighted water and food issues, besides air quality during their performance. They also focused attention on local environmental challenges.

“Some of the critical issues are water, the water supply, being in the Himalayas with global warming, you have melting glaciers, you have less snowfall perhaps, and, this will be a critical issue for the future. So to protect the future of Kashmir, we need to address global warming on a global scale. So, this is not only a Kashmir problem, this is a problem for the whole world but, it will affect Kashmir, I think, this is what I am learning, that if the water supply from the Himalayas dwindles, the lakes, the drinking water supply will also dwindle,” said Bigelow.

In between the songs, the band made a presentation about solar energy.

All power requirements for the band’s performance were met by solar power generated through solar panels erected on a van accompanying the musicians.

A large number of students gathered for the concert and welcomed the message given by the band members.

“The band Solar Punch has come from New York and it focuses on environmental issues. It was a good experience to see their performance. They showed us many documentaries on environment, which they have shot themselves. They have taken a step forward and, we also should take a step forward to save our environment. Such programmes are good for society, as youth are drawn to music and they are spreading the message of saving the environment through music,” said Ubair, a resident of the area.

Solar Punch is part journalism, part classroom, part multi-cultural bridge builder, and all rock and roll and, its key message, is that if we need to have a better future, we need to act now.