EAM Sushma Swaraj launches coffee table book of ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’ on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas
New Delhi, January 9: Mesmerizing voices of singers from across the world contributed their share by creating the rendition of the famous bhajan, ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’. In a slight unique way, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of States for External Affairs Vijay Kumar Singh launched a coffee table book 'Vaishnavo Jan to Tene Kahiye' on singers from all around the world who rendered Gandhiji's favorite Bhajan.
On Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, the launching of this coffee table book enlightened the contribution of people from all over the world owing their respect by celebrating 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi. A persona dignified to create an aura worldwide, celebrating 150th birth anniversary, artists from over 124 countries have contributed musically in paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi through his favourite bhajan.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
The glance of all the local artists from across 40 countries will be highlighted in this book owing a small token of thanks by India to their overseas friend countries.
Going global the melodious bhajan created its own space among the people. All Indian Missions abroad identified a local artists and group to record the bhajan in the run-up to Gandhi Jayanti. The result is an eclectic, colourful and rich rendition of the hymn infused with the local flavor of the region. From Armenia to Angola, Sri Lanka to Serbia, Iraq to Iceland, prominent local singers/groups have showcased their talent to this favourite hymn of the Mahatma. 1-2 videos from different regions of the world were then put together in a fusion video of about 5 minutes to give a flavour of the bhajan as recorded by different artists. It is expected to have contribution from all the countries recognised by the United Nations.