On the occasion of the 149th birth anniversary of Mahatam Gandhi,artistes from over 124 countries have contributed in paying homage to the father of the nation through his favourite bhajan’Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’.
The famous Gujarati hymn was penned by the 15 th century poet Narsimha Mehta and was one of the favourite bhajans of Gandhi ,who included it into the roster of prayers routinely Sung before his meetings.
During the closing ceremony of the mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference (MGISC) and in the presence of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Gutierrez,Prime Minister Narendra Modi ,External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and minister of Drinking water and Sanitation Uma Bharti ,launched a medley version of the bhajan ,sung by artistes from over 40 countries.
All Indian Mission abroad identified local artiste groups to record the bhajan who gave rise to an eclectric,colour and rich rendition of the Hymn infused with the local flavour of the region .Videos from, different regions of the world have also been put together in a fusion viedo of about five mintues to give flavourto the bhajan.
Among the star performers is President Baron Divavesi Waqa of Naura.Waqa’s gesture was not just a tribute to Gandhi but was also a personal gift from him toPrime Minister Modi .
The medely version and individual country contributions are availableon the External Affairs Ministry’s youtube page.