January 4, 2025: The District Child Protection Unit in Ahmedabad has issued a formal notice to Chris Martin and the organisers of the upcoming Coldplay concert at the Narendra Modi Stadium on January 25 and 26, 2025. The notice, aimed at safeguarding children’s health and well-being during the event, includes strict directives to ensure that no children are involved on stage during the concert and that they are provided with hearing protection such as earplugs if they are attending the concert.
The Unit has raised concerns about the potential risks posed by the high sound levels expected at the concert, which could exceed 120 decibels—a level that poses significant risks to children’s hearing and health. In response to these concerns, the notice warns the organisers that failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in strict action from the authorities.
The notice follows a complaint filed by Pandit Rao Dharnevar, an Assistant Professor of Sociology from Chandigarh, who has been vocal about the impact of loud music and flashy lights on children’s physical and mental health. Dharnevar emphasized the importance of protecting children’s rights and called for more safeguards in concert environments, especially where loud sounds and potentially harmful visual elements are involved. He added that he would continue pursuing similar actions in the future to protect children’s welfare.
Dharnevar’s advocacy for child protection in entertainment settings is not limited to the Coldplay concert. He had previously filed a complaint against Diljit Dosanjh’s New Year’s Eve concert in Ludhiana on December 31, 2024. His complaint led to a notice from the Women and Child Department, Government of Punjab, requesting the District Commissioner in Ludhiana to prevent Dosanjh from performing specific songs during his live show. These songs—such as ‘Patiala Pegg,’ ‘5 Tara Theke,’ and ‘Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)’—were flagged for allegedly promoting alcohol consumption, and the notice specifically asked for the modification or removal of these tracks, particularly to protect underage audiences.
Dharnevar’s focus on the harmful effects of certain song lyrics and live performance environments on young and impressionable minds further demonstrates his commitment to promoting child safety and well-being in entertainment settings. His efforts highlight a growing concern about the influence of music and public events on the development and health of children, particularly when such events feature loud sounds or content that could be harmful to their mental and physical growth.
As the Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad approaches, the organisers and performers will be expected to comply with the directives of the District Child Protection Unit to ensure that the event remains safe and healthy for all attendees, particularly young children.
