The Samiti in association with Manzil Mystics organized a “Chai Kaafi and Music” on the theme of ‘responsible patriotism’ in Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat as a celebration to the 73rd Independence Day and as part of the celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. About 150 participants comprising of students, mentors from different areas of life, army personnel, senior musicians took part in the programme. Shri Rajesh Mehta, Shri Manoj Jha, Mr. Deepak Castelino, Ms. Prema Iyer, popularly known as ‘Campus Nani’, Mrs. Seema Tyagi along with her husband, and others were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajesh Mehta talked about music as his inspiration since his childhood and how it binds people from one nation to another. He also spoke about the initiative of the Government of India in involving artists from 150 nations to sing Gandhiji’s favourite bhajan Vaishnava Jana Tau. Crooning a few lines from Aye Mere Pyare Vatan, Shri Rajesh Mehta concluded by reminding everybody committed towards their family, society and nation, perse.
During the programme, students from Manzil Mystics also performed on the occasion. Performances by Faraz Ali, My Perch, Manzil Music Vocal Class, and Roshini on hope, peace and patriotism made the evening very special. Rahul Wahi from Manzil Mystics Beats set the stage up for ten minutes and involved all the audience. It was one of the best ways to engage the audience into a jamming session of music for peace.
Further, Mayank, Navya-Muskesh, Neha and The Mantash Band gave their performance on songs of Kabir Das. Joining them was septuagenarian, Ms. Prem Iyer, wife of an army officer, who has dedicated her life towards war widows.
The other highlight of the programme was Shri Arjun Kheriyal HCGD, Into Tibetan Border Police posted at China Border who shared his views on patriotism and also sang Matti from the film Kesari. Another attraction of the evening was a session on interlinking rivers, states, food and culture through music and an impromptu composition called Unche Himalaya Tak by famous guitarist Mr. Deepak Castellino of Char Yaar. This song was dedicated towards making the world inclusive (a one big family).
Manzil Mystics concluded the evening by singing Aao Hum (a song on peace, unity and Gandhi’s view of world as one family), Halke Gadi Hako (a Kabir Bhajan on good karma) and Ram Dhun.