Mohandasi Karamchand Gandhi – a name that has been synonymous to not just India’s independence from the British rule but also the principles of peace, communal harmony and non-violence. Gandhi’s principles and thoughts still linger through his legacy which transcends all borders and boundaries, with admirers who hail from different continents.
As October 2nd, marked the 150th birth anniversary of the late leader, political icon and ‘Father of the nation,’ tributes flew in from all directions. One such heartwarming tribute was initiated by prime minister Narendra Modi for the closing ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference and it featured artists from 124 different countries performing one of Gandhi’s favorite musical pieces ever – ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’.
The entire tribute is filled with a distinct variety of artists and voices, who sing, dance, harmonize or play instruments to the beautiful melody, which has previously been sung by the likes of Lata Mangeshkar and K.S. Chitra.
Singers from China, Japan, Myanmar, Germany, Italy, Nepal and many other countries payed homage to the Mahatma, by reciting lines from the age-old poem, creating a new ‘theme of unity’ that is certain to bring you to tears.
Watch below:
One performance that has managed to stood out and be individually praised is delivered from Pakistan’s famous export to Bollywood, Shafqat Amanat Ali – whose solo take has struck a chord with many Indians and has been shared by a number of music lovers.
Praising Ali’s take on the timeless classic, Vishal Dadlani said that the singer’s rendition proves “that music is both, “ibaadat” and “bhakti” together!”
Watch it below:
A fitting tribute to one of the most highly regarded human being ever and also to this near 5 century old poem, written by Narsinh Mehta.
We’re sure the medley would do both proud.