WHEN MUSIC AND DIVINELY-INSPIRED POETRY BRING THE WORLD OF CULTURES, FAITHS, AND SPIRIT TOGETHER

Los Angeles, Oct. 04, 2018
Kanwal Prakash Singh

On rare occasions, we find an amazingly moving or divinely inspired composition that become a timeless sacred song or an immortal global anthem. Here are a few memorable gems:

The Evening Aarti of Guru Nanak, the Founder of Sikh Faith, in Raag Dhanasari, "Gagan-mai thaal ruv Chund deepuk bunaye, tarika mandal janak moti: The cosmos studded with stars and galaxies is the bedecked salver; the sun and moon are the sacred lamps placed in it..." Indian poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore saw this as a global spiritual anthem.

The brilliant Sun of India, Rabindranath Tagore in his famous poetical composition in Gitanjali, "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free!.." reminds us of our shared universal dream as a human family.

Michael Jackson's internationally celebrated song, "We are the world" and echo of its moving lyrics and immortalized music-video rendition that remind the entire world:

"We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving..."

The famous Gujarati hymn "Vaishnava Jan To Tene Kahiye:

One who is a Vaishnav, feels and understands the pain of others
Does good to others, especially to those who are in misery
Does not let pride enter his mind... "

written by the 15th century poet Narsimha Mehta defined the qualities of an ideal man; it became one of the favorite Bhajans (sacred hymn) of Mahatma Gandhi. On Mahatma Gandhi's 150th Birthday, the beautiful Music-Video of the hymn sung in Gujarati by artistes from 124 countries became a timeless sensation, a global tribute to the landmark Gandhi Jayanti and as a unifying song and message to our humanity.

The beautiful rendition, rich in cultural and national flavors:
"From Armenia to Angola, Sri Lanka to Serbia, Iraq to Iceland, prominent local singers/groups have showcased their talent to this favorite hymn of the Mahatma." Happy to see our friend, Danish singer Anita Hjorth Lerche, now from Indianapolis, among the galaxy of singers who contributed to this beautiful and historic Music-Video.

"The medley version, as well as the individual country contributions are available on the External Affairs Ministry’s Youtube page."

Here is a link to one of the solo video:

			CLICK
1	Michael Jackson - We Are The World		VIDEO
2	Singers from 41 nations enthrall with 'Vaishnav Jana To' in Gujarati		VIDEO
3	Vaishnav Jan To sung by Anita Lerche		VIDEO

These and other treasures are a cultural and spiritual pilgrimage. They take us to realms of memories and recollections that seem to converge at special places deep within our soul. Such creative venerable gifts invite us to learn about what makes our earth a jewel placed by a Higher Spirit amidst a wondrous cosmos. They occasionally introduce us a symphonic tapestry that defines our humanity. 

<> KP Singh <> Indianapolis, Indiana USA  <> October 2, 2018<>