Abstract

Music has long been a powerful medium for cultural expression, emotional healing, and social cohesion. This research explores the intersection of music, social work, and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) to foster holistic community empowerment and well-being. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study examines the therapeutic and empowering potential of music-based interventions in addressing mental, emotional, and social challenges within diverse Indian communities. In this study social workers, community members, and music practitioners were participated and revealed significant insights through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, into the role of traditional Indian music in promoting mental health, cultural identity, and social inclusion. Findings highlight the transformative impact of music in enhancing emotional resilience, strengthening community bonds, and addressing issues such as marginalization and mental health disparities. Despite the numerous benefits, challenges such as limited resources, lack of awareness, and the need for specialized training in integrating music into social work practice were identified. The collaboration between social workers, musicians, and community stakeholders underlines the potential for music to bridge traditional cultural practices and contemporary social work approaches. This study underscores the importance of leveraging IKS, particularly traditional Indian music, to create innovative, culturally grounded frameworks for community empowerment. By harmonizing music with social work, the research offers a unique perspective on addressing societal challenges through holistic, inclusive, and sustainable approaches.