Joy returns to the world! Choirs set the right note for Christmas

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Joy returns to the world! Choirs set the right note for Christmas
(Article in Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Thursday 08-December-2022)
– Mrinalini Kaushik

The air is infused with festive cheer and jubilance as Christmas approaches. But making merry is incomplete without a musical treat! As choirs from across NCR return to perform carols after two years of Covid-19 restrictions, members are elated to be back in tune Of carols in condos Music spreads joy, and what better use of it than treating NCR residents with surprise performances? This is exactly what Lorraine Music Academy, Gurugram, has planned for this year, especially for those staying in condominiums. “We plan to take our carol performances to the communities at various locations. It’s a sort of surprise for the community, as we are going to where the people are, with no auditoriums of formal venues,” shares Aubrey Aloysius from the academy, adding, “Christmas is a time of celebration and rejoicing, and the spirit will continue with the initiative.”

AN XMAS CAROL: CHOIRS TO BRING JOY TO THE WORLD

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AN XMAS CAROL: CHOIRS TO BRING JOY TO THE WORLD
(Article in Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Sunday 19-December-2021)
– Anjuri Nayar Singh

Set to echo in the city this year are the merry tunes of carolers, bringing hope amid the pandemic

Reeling under the effects of the pandemic and the constant news updates of the new Covid-19 variant spreading across the world, what is helping to keep the Christmas spirit alive this year are the carol groups in the city. Gearing up to perform publicly or at various intimate gatherings – physically or virtually – they are the true joy that comes to town around this time of the year.

Online stars
Having decided to go virtual, this year as well, Lorraine Music Academy has its plans set. “The pandemic is not over, and there is no vaccine yet for children. Last year, we had a wonderful Christmas concert online and we will have the same this year too, on Christmas eve”, says Aubrey Aloysius, co-founder of the academy, adding, “We went online since the very first month after the nationwide lockdown. In fact, now we do online concerts every Sunday at 5pm, with global as well as Indian maestros. This year, the children are far more confident and have taken to the camera like real stars! They have so much more energy!”

Talking about the line up of carols this year, Aloysius shares, “Our students will be bringing in the Christmas spirit by singing and playing a mix traditional and modern Christmas carols in different languages.” Giving is a sneak peek into their set list, he adds, “Traditional carols include Silent Night, Joy to the World, Jingle Bells, Peace Be Still, Born on Christmas Day, and Mary Did You Know, among many others and also some modern carols, which include some original compositions by our students.”

 

Gurugram ke sector 29 sthit kingdom of dreams me lamp trust aur Lorraine music academy ki aur se lal bahadur shastri ki yad me Sangeet karykram ka aayojan kiya gaya

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Gurugram ke sector 29 sthit kingdom of dreams me lamp trust aur Lorraine music academy ki aur se lal bahadur shastri ki yad me Sangeet karykram ka aayojan kiya gaya. Isme bachon ne deshbhakti karykram prastut kiye.

Lal Bahadur Shastri ki yaad me bachon ne pesh kiye deshbhakti geet

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Sadki ki misal the Shastri Ji

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LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI ACHIEVED GREAT SUCESS DURING HIS CAREER

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India observed the 50th Death Anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on January 11. His son BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Sunil Shastri who was in Goa, spoke to Gomantak Times reporter Mayank Jha regarding the achievements of his father who coined the famous slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. A documentary on the life and work of the second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri is being made and will be released soon.

Article in Legacy India | (Courtesy : Gomantak Times) | Feb, 2016

MAYANK JHA: What’s your thought on Lal Bahadur Shastri’s career? As a son what was the most influential thing about your father?

SUNIL SHASTRI: The career of Babuji (Lal Bahadur Shastri) was fantastic and had achieved great success during his career. He is remembered for his strong courage and spearheaded progress throughout the nation. Whichever place I visited, people always remember him for his honest work and successful career as Prime Minister. Even as people had seen his leadership quality during India-Pakistan war in 1965 where Shastri’s fighting instinct had allowed us to become victorious. While at the same time he was a peace loving person who had stronghold on his position as a great leader. Because of Shastri’s effort the “Tashkent agreement” has become successful and historic.

The most influential thing about him was his courage to overcome hurdles. During his childhood days, he used to swim the river to reach school. That sort of courage is inspiring all of us.

MAYANK JHA: What is your reaction when you came to know that there would be a documentary made on the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri?

SUNIL SHASTRI: This is a positive step taken by the filmmaker Aubrey Aloysius to showcase the life of ‘Babuji’ on a film screen. This film will guide people and aware them about the work of ‘Babuji’. People will also be influenced by his honesty, simplicity and many other qualities.

MAYANK JHA: How much do you think the film will appeal to the current population specially youths?

SUNIL SHASTRI: I am sure the film will be used as historical evidence to inspire every age group of people. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech at Red Fort had appealed to the people of the country to follow the principles of Lal Bahadur Shastri. After watching the documentary people will be able to know his persona.

REMEMBERING SHASTRI – MAN WHO LAID FOUNDATION FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT INDIA

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India has come a long way from being called a land of “snake charmers” and “naked fakirs” to become a contender for the Super Power title. Genesis for this transformation was laid way back in 1960s by India’s second Prime Minister, Late Lal Bahadur Shastri. He galvanised an entire nation to become self sufficient through his clarion call – Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and delivered a body blow to Pakistan in 1965 Indo-Pak, which happened within three years of India’s morale crushing defeat at the hands of China. On the eve of the 50th death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mayank Jha charts the life and times of arguably one of the most unassuming but a visionary leader, whose life was mysteriously cut short in then Soviet Union in 1966.

(Article in Gomantak Times, Goa | by Mayank Jha | 10Jan2016

A documentary film and feature film based on the life of charismatic leader and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose death unfortunately turned out to be controversial, will be releasing soon in order to enlighten and us aware about the sacrifice he has made for the progress of the nation.

Shastri was a man of sheer courage whose stature compared with other prominent leaders like former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and many more, is not very much famous among the people of the country. But no one can deny his contribution for the nation and the political pundits who were aware about and have seen his work still rank him among the top leaders of the nation.

“His decision making was crucial to phase out the country from famine crisis in 1960s, and had helped India to defeat Pakistan in the 1965 war,’ film director Aubrey Aloysius said highlighting Shastriji’s decision to support the Anand Milk Inion Limited (Amul) in Anand district of Gujarat and to set up the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) which revolutionised the whole country.

Speaking about his choice to make biopic film on the life of Lal bahadur Shastri, film maker Aubrey said, “this is a documentary film of 120 minutes in length purposely made in order to take us inside the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri and is a small contribution from my side to a promising leader whose life story is an open-book and an inspiration for others. I am hopeful that the documentary will help people to channelise their work in positive direction for the benefit of the nation.”

“The purpose of the documentary is to make impact on 1.27 billion citizens of the country. Anyone watching the documentary can encash their rich, inspiring and motivating inheritance and pass it on to the next generation. It is important that the children and youth of our country know and understand the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri, his everyday life as a child with meagre means, his struggle to get himself educated, a sacrificed life as a freedom fighter and a born patriot,” Aubrey said.

According to Aubrey, Shastri was a man og high moral principles, values and ethics who with integrity and character crossed all bridges and held the highest Indian office with courage, integrity and utmost dignity. He was a legendary leader successful and blameless both in private and public life.

Shastri’s thoughts and actions need to be perpetuated and carried forward in order that the life of Indian citizens and human beings at large can be transformed. His principles, values, ideals and thoughts must be held up as a lamp to India and the world. Even though he died 50 years ago, his legacy will live forever, says Aubrey.

Speaking about the research he had done for the documentary film, Aubrey said, “before starting the film, I personally met the family members of Lal Bahadur Shastri besides reading articles and books related to Shastriji’s life. Adding to that, I had also contacted the officials, who had earlier worked with Lal Bahadur Shastri.”

Aubrey said that recently on October 24 last year they celebrated the 50th golden jubilee anniversary of the famous sligan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” coined by Lal Bahadur Shastri in order to revolutionise the agriculture sector and to inspire the brave soldier of the Indian Army. This slogan had empowered India to g=face and repulse the Pakistan invasion of 1965.

During the Indo-Pak war the then USA President threatened Lal Bahadur Shastri and told him to either end the Indo-Pak war, or else they would stop the supply of wheat. Shastri asked agricultural scientist how many days will Indians have to fast so that the country does not have to import wheat. The scientist replied, “if Indians skipped a meal once a week it was possible.” After this Shastri himself started fasting and even his family supported him in the cause. Thus ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ slogan is still relevant to India and our next generation, Aubrey said.

People, specially our youth, always take politics in a negative way. Now after watching the documentary film on the second Prime Minister of India, the youth will be inspired by Shastriji’s work and will work positively for the benefit of the nation, Aubrey hoped.

HIGHLIGHTING FEATURES OF LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI

  • Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904 at Mughalsarai, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh,
  • Indspired by Mahatma Gandhiji’s call for students to withdraw from school and government colleges, Lal Bahadur Shastri left his college and joined the movement for freedom.
  • In 1930 he participated in the Salt Satyagraha lef by Mahatma Gandhi against the working of British rule.
  • After Independence he was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary in his home State – Uttar Pradesh
  • In 1951 Shastri was also appointed as the General Secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC), Besides holding this, he was also appointed as the Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh and inducted as a Cabinet Minister
  • Before holding the post of Prime Minister during 1964-1966, Shastri was appointed as the Minister for Commerce and Industry besides holding Minister of Railways and Transport
  • During the Indo-Pak war in 1965, Shastri gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” to motivate the soldiers of the Indian army and revolutionise agriculture. He became a national hero following the Indo-Pak war.
  • Prime Minister Shastri died in Tashkent in Soviet Union on January 11 1966 at 2am on the day after signing the historic Tashkent Declaration, reportedly due to a heart attack, but people allege conspiracy behind the attack.

“Making a documentary on the life of charismatic leader Lal Bahadur Shastri is a good step taken towards enlightening the importance of Shastriji among people of the country and across the world. The film will guide people and make them aware about the work of Shastriji. People will also be influenced by his honestly, simplicity and many other qualities. I am sure the film will be used as historical evidence to inspire every age group of people. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech at Red Fort had appealed to the people of the country to follow the principles of Lal Bahadur Shastri. After watching the documentary people will be able to know his persona. I congratulate filmmaker Aubrey Aloysius for making documentary film on life of Lal Bahadur Shastri.”

SUNIL SHASTRI, YOUNGER SON OF LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP

India will be observing the 50th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on January 11 this year. His son Congress leader Anil Shastri spoke to GT/Weekender regarding the achievements of his father who coined the famous slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.’

Q: What are your thoughts on Lal Bahadur Shastri’s career? What was the most highlighting feature about his career as Prime Minister?

ANIL SHASTRI: The career of Lal Bahadur Shastri was fantastic and although his tenure as Prime Minister lasted on for 18 months but the quality of work that he gave during his tenure of PM, the politics he executed set the tone for a self-sufficient India.

The most highlighting feature about him was his decision making and vision for the country. The ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ call given by Lal Bahadur Shastri as PM actually set the tone for the green revolution. This decision was important as it had sowed the seeds of Green Revolution in the country. Great stalwarts such as M S Swaminathan and Dr. Verghese Kurien joined his movement of self sufficiency.

While on the one hand Dr Swaminathan started working on food sufficiency, Dr. Verghese on the other hadn had founded the dairy co-operative movement through Operation Flood. This has led the dairy co-operative movement in the country based out of Anand Milk Producers’ Union, popularly known as Amul.

Q: What was your reaction when you came to know that there would be a documentary made on the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri?

AS: It was a very good gesture as many people will come to know about the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri. 

I think this documentary will be able to project the vision of Lal Bahadur Shastri. At the same time the film will inspire people to work positively and to be a part of the country’s progress. Through this documentary people will come to know about his contribution towards national unity and development.

Q: Numerous governments after his death since 1966 did not do enough to clear the air regarding the controversial and mysterious circumstances in which Lal Bahadur Shastri died in Tashkent, Do you think it is high time government should reveal the reasons of Shastriji’s death?

AS: According to me, Yes, the government should reveal the reasons of his death. Even though the Right To Information (RTI) appeal has been filed seeking documents pertaining to know the exact cause of his death, however, the plea was refused stating that it would hamper the relationship with allied countries. Moreover I have personally written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in the matter and demanded that Lal Bahadur Shastri files pertaining to death be declassified.

But, I have not yet received any response from him. Modi government should begin declassification of Shastriji’s files.

Q: Whether sharing same birth date with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi) on October 2 has led people to forget Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birth anniversary?

AS: To some extent Yes I do agree that people are not enthusiastic about celebrating the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri in the way they celebrate Mahatma Gandhiji’s birth anniversary. Sharing same birth date with Gandhiji might have undermined the contribution of Lal Bahadur Shastri who is not getting proper attention from the officials.

But when I asked the same question to my father he would say there is no comparison of him with Gandhiji,

He always said that he was fortunate to share his birth date with Gandhiji and wanted to keep his legacy alive.

:I am happy that there is a film being made on the life of a born patriot and second Prime Minister of the Republic of India – Lal Bahadur Shastri. Nobody can gorget his leadership quality that led us through the Indo-Pak war of 1965. His slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ revolutionised the agriculture and raised morale of our Indian soldiers”

MANISH TEWARI, former Union Minister and Congress spokeman

“This is a documentary film of 120 minutes in length purposely made in order to take us inside the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri and is a small contribution from my side to a promising leader whose life story is an open-book and an inspiration for others.”

AUBREY ALOYSIUS, filmmaker

http://epaper.gomantaktimes.com/GomantakTimes/10Jan2016/Normal/page8.htm 

The Man That Freedom Sometimes Forgets

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The Man That Freedom Sometimes Forgets

Much has been spoken about Gandhi and Nehru as India projected them to the world. However, in the process of celebrating one figure, we often forget another. Attempting to circumvent this precise scenario is ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri – A Hero of War and Peace’, the work of documentary filmmaker, Aubrey Aloysius

Article in Herald, Goa | By Fernando Monte da Silva | 08 Jan, 2016

The oddest chance meeting with someone can spur us on to so much more, much like the Domino or Butterfly Effect. This is precisely the path that unfolded for documentary filmmaker, Aubrey Aloysius after having met and interviewed live on stage the youngest daughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Neera Shastri at an event called ‘A Musical Memorial – Remembering Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri’.

This encounter was one that motivated him so much, that he decided to make a documentary on the subject, and went on to meet  Lal Bahadur Shastri’s sons, Sunil and Anil several times, who guided him and provided him with valuable insight and information during his period of research. Aubrey currently has, in the works, a documentary film on Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India, which is set to be released nationally and globally later this year. Aubrey has also produced a number of cultural events focused on the performing arts in the National Capital Region and has also produced a number of short films promoting national unity and patriotism. Several of these films have been telecast nationally and internationally on Doordarshan. He has also been featured on Lok Sabha Television. Aubrey will also go on to produce a full-length feature film for a national and international audience.

However, in keeping with this, one can’t help but wonder why Aubrey picked to specifically focus on the life of a man who is often unfortunately perhaps regarded as one of the ‘lesser-known’ names of the time. “It was 50 years ago, on January 11, 1966 in Tashkent that Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away. However, to those that remember his contribution to the country at large, he still lives on in their hearts. In many ways, his story is similar to that of President Abraham Lincoln of the U.S.A. who rose from a log-cabin to the White House. Lal Bahadur Shastri’s story is of a modest young boy who was born on the banks of the river Ganga and rose to be a Bharat Ratna. Through his dedication and by virtue of his character, he rose steadily to occupy the highest position in the land,” he explains.

Aubrey Aloysius has interviewed every living member of the Lal Bahadur Shastri family in order to gain a powerful and deep insight into the life of this great man. “The stories that they told me, reduced me to tears. We are talking about a man who put his country first; a man who spent more time in jail than out of it, purely for standing up for what he believed in; a man who lived in abject poverty and lost two children to illness, purely because he could not afford to pay for their medical expenses,” he adds emotionally.

Aubrey, who is also the founder of the Lorraine Music Academy and the LAMP Trust, and Chairman of the National Patriotic Project, talks about the importance of the film to the next generation, saying, “The purpose of this project and films is to reach and impact each of the 1.27 billion citizens of India. It is important that the children and youth of our nation know and understand the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri – his everyday life as a child with meagre means, his struggle to get himself educated, a sacrificial life as a freedom fighter. He was a man of high moral principles, values and ethics, who with integrity and character crossed all bridges and held the highest Indian office with courage, integrity and utmost dignity. He was a legendary leader, successful and blameless both in public and private life. His thoughts and actions need to be perpetuated and carried forward in order that the life of the Indian citizen, and human being at large, can be transformed. His principles, values, ideals and thoughts must be held up as a lamp to India and the world. Even though he died 50 years ago, his legacy will live on forever.”

www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/The-man-that-freedom-sometimes-forgets/97582.html

LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI ACHIEVED GREAT SUCCESS DURING HIS CAREER: SUNIL

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LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI ACHIEVED GREAT SUCCESS DURING HIS CAREER: SUNIL

India will be observing the 50th Death Anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on January 11. His son BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sunil Shastri who was in Goa, spoke to Gomantak Times reporter Mayank Jha regarding the achievements of his father who coined the famous slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. A documentary on the life and work of the second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri is being made and will be released soon.

(Article in Gomantak Times, Goa | by Mayank Jha | 23Dec2015

MAYANK JHA: What’s your thought on Lal Bahadur Shastri’s career? As a son what was the most influential thing about your father?

SUNIL SHASTRI: The career of Babuji (Lal Bahadur Shastri) was fantastic and had achieved great success during his career. He is remembered for his strong courage and spearheaded progress throughout the nation. Whichever place I visited, people always remember him for his honest work and successful career as Prime Minister. Even as people had seen his leadership quality during India-Pakistan war in 1965 where Shastri’s fighting instinct had allowed us to become victorious. While at the same time he was a peace loving person who had stronghold on his position as a great leader. Because of Shastri’s effort the “Tashkent agreement” has become successful and historic. 

The most influential thing about him was his courage to overcome hurdles. During his childhood days, he used to swim the river to reach school. That sort of courage is inspiring all of us.

MJ: What is your reaction when you came to know that there would be a documentary made on the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri?

SS: This is a positive step taken by the filmmaker Aubrey Aloysius to showcase the life of ‘Babuji’ on a film screen. This film will guide people and aware them about the work of ‘Babuji’. People will also be influenced by his honesty, simplicity and many other qualities.

MJ: How much do you think the film will appeal to the current population specially youths?

SS: I am sure the film will be used as historical evidence to inspire every age group of people. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech at Red Fort had appealed to the people of the country to follow the principles of Lal Bahadur Shastri. After watching the documentary people will be able to know his persona.

http://epaper.gomantaktimes.com/GomantakTimes/23Dec2015/Normal/index.htm

Jai Jawan Jai Kisan memorial musical evening organised

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The spirit of patriotism filled the air at the Epicentre Auditorium in Gurgaon when Lorraine Music Academy and LAMP Trust hosted “A MUSICAL MEMORIAL REMEMBERING LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI” on Saturday 24th October 2015 to commemorate the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the famous slogan JAI JAWAN JAI KISAN that our Nation’s Hero, Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri, has given to our Nation! This slogan is still relevant to the India of our next generation. The audience paid homage to our 2nd Prime Minister on his recent 111th birth anniversary and remembered the 50th Golden Jubilee of the Indo-Pak war that he victoriously led the nation into, followed by the signing of a peace treaty in Tashkent a few months later.

99% members of the Lal Bahadur Shastri family attended the event – his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many people in the audience came from different parts of the country. They travelled a great distance to be there. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. S. Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Angelic voices of young children aged 4 to 14, teenagers, youth and professional musicians from the Lorraine Music Academy and from many schools in Haryana and Rajasthan performed. The evening began with a heavenly hair raising performance by young students of the Lorraine Music Academy and Lorraine Fiona Aloysius, playing on the piano and singing a song called ‘A Little Peace’….“A little loving, giving, sharing, patience and understanding will build a better tomorrow”. The song explained everything that Lal Bahadur Shastri stood for. He encouraged the country to make little sacrifices that would together lead our nation to victory over famine and war. The LAMPstand Band rendered a stunning modern fusion version of “Vande Mataram”, and also performed “Sare Jahaan Se Achcha”, and “Hum Honge Kaamyaab”. The children went on to sing “Aao Bachcho” and “Nanna Munna Rahi Hun”.

Professional musicians along with students from Lorraine Music Academy, students from prominent educational institutions from across Haryana & Rajasthan – Pathways World School, Suncity World School, Scottish High International School, Paramlakshya World School, American Public School, CCA School, G. D. Goenka University – expressed their celebration through song, instrumental music, and dance performances. The musical memorial had performances by the youth and children – members of our next generation – and citizens of India. The musical memorial included group / choir singing performances of patriotic songs and folk songs and group dance performances set to patriotic and folk music from across India. 

At the end of his working day Lal Bahadur Shastri enjoyed listening to bhajans sung by Lalita Shastri. Meera Shastri, daughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri, sang Lalita Shastri’s favourite bhajan composition “Bhole Bhole Rat Te Ho Gayi Main Baanwaria”. Another of Lalita Shastri’s bhajan composition “Bata De Koi Mohe Shyam Ki Dagariya” from her album “Archana” was set to a wonderful kathak dance performance by Rashmi Gairola.  The choir singing also included patriotic songs such as “Assi Desh Di Chad Di Lalli”, “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”, “Meelo Hum Aa Gaye, Meelon Humein Jaana Hain”. The youth also performed a medley of superb dances set to patriotic and folk music. 

The Musical Memorial included “THE THINKERS’ FORUM CHARCHA” consisting of a live on-stage interaction by Aubrey Aloysius with Anil Shastri and Sunil Shastri, sons of Lal Bahadur Shastri, delving into the noble qualities, ideals, ethics, values & principles of our exemplary National Hero, so as to pass them on to inspire our next generation of citizens for positive nation building. Article 51A of the Constitution of India states that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.” Anil Shastri shared secrets and memorable anecdotes about his first hand experiences with their great father – as a father, and as a Prime Minister. Sunil Shastri blessed all the children so affectionately and prayed that in each home would be born and raised a Lal Bahadur Shastri! As their contribution to the Nation Building Project COME INDIA SING, Anil Shastri sang the song “Aa Chal Ke Tujhe” that was made popular by Kishore Kumar; and Sunil Shastri sang the song “Ek Din Bik Jaayega Maathi Ki Mol” made popular by Mohammed Rafi. 

The evening was a memorable and enjoyable one that brought fond memories and tears to the eyes of many. The evening ended with the entire family members of Lal Bahadur Shastri coming on stage and singing, along with the entire audience, our National Anthem JANA GANA MANA with pride, passion, and precision – in 52 seconds.

The Musical Memorial included a brief workshop embedded in the concert to educate and encourage the audience to abide by the Constitution of India and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem. This included an explanation and training on the proper singing of the National Anthem as per the code as laid out in the Constitution – in the right rhythm, melody and timing. 

This concert was in aid of raising awareness, support and resources for the National Patriotic Project “Come India Sing Jana Gana Mana”. The Musical Memorial included patriotic and folk songs / dances depicting India’s cultural ethos of “Unity in Diversity”. The National Patriotic Project “Come India Sing Jana Gana Mana” is a clarion call to 1.27 Billion Indians to stand together for one cause – the Unity of India, by singing one song – our National Anthem, in the correct code as laid out in the Constitution of India, which is around 52 seconds. The ongoing National Patriotic Project “Come India Sing Jana Gana Mana” was launched on 15th August 2013, our Independence Day. 

Aubrey Aloysius, founder of the Lorraine Music Academy and the LAMP Trust, and Chairman of the National Patriotic Project, says “Music is food for the soul. Good food and good exercise gives you good physical stability. A good diet of the right kind of music gives you mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual stability. Music helps the creative process and sparks the imagination and ideas. When this musical imagination and experience of singing our National Anthem is ignited in a group circumstance, we have the most extraordinary power to change young lives for positive living and nation-building.”