The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has brought together composers, musicians and singers from across India, to contribute music recordings from their homes to create the song “United We Stand”.
The joint efforts by the Indian musicians which created the beautiful song provides encouragement as the world faces the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The virus has already had a huge global impact, cutting across all boundaries and regardless of race, religion or gender.
The song aims to share knowledge, and encourage cooperation with one other, to cut across boundaries and fight as one force against the pandemic.
The song was written and composed by Joe Alvares, with vocals provided by Usha Uthup, Salim Merchant, Shefali Alvares Rashid, Benny Dayal, Sonam Kalra, Chandan Bala Kalyan, Joe Alvares, Salome and Samira.
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The music was composed by classical Indian instrumentalists Pandit Ravi Chari, Pandit Rakesh Chaurasiya and Ustad Faisal Qureshi.
It weaves together English lyrics into the notes and beats of Indian classical music, spreading the essence of the Sanskrit phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates roughly as ‘the world is one family’.
The song aims to spread hope, joy, resilience, and a fighting spirit, to encourage people to keep up their fighting spirit against the enormous effects of the coronavirus.
The composition is an expression of India’s deep appreciation and gratitude to all those on the front lines combating the pandemic, who are risking their lives to protect the world.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dedicated the song to the world, in the hope that people may seek inspiration to continue unity and togetherness in these difficult times.
