JAI JAWAN JAI KISAN – A Musical Memorial – Remembering LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI
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, Government 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 moderated 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 Guests of Honour were not just guests. Dr. S. Y Quraishi, Dr. Sarvesh Naidu, Commander Kartikay Saini, Dr. Raj Singh, Shri Manoj George, Dr. Nidhi Trehan, Smt. Nirmal Yadav and Smt. Neera Shastri, all actively contributed through “THE THINKERS’ FORUM CHARCHA” that kept the audience continuously engaged with their interesting little anecdotes and memoirs of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s impactful life.
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.
CHIEF GUEST:
- Dr. S. Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner, Government of India
GUESTS OF HONOUR:
SHASTRI FAMILY:
- Shri Anil Shastri, former Member of Parliament (son of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Sunil Shastri, former Member of Parliament (son of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Manju Shastri (daughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Meera Shastri (daughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Neera Shastri (daughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Balesh Kumar, I.R.S., Special Director, Enforcement Directorate, Government of India (grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Vinny Kumar (granddaughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Sanjay Nath Singh (grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Pooja Nath Singh (granddaughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Vanita Khanna (granddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri. Rajan Khanna (grandson-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Diwakar Shastri (grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Mini Shastri (granddaughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Lagan Shastri (grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Roli Shastri (granddaughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Mudit Shastri (grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Aradhna Shastri (granddaughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Vinamra Shastri, Partner, Grant Thornton (grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Jaya Shastri (granddaughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Vaibhav Shastri (grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Puja Shastri (granddaughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Shri Sameep Shastri (grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Smt. Malvika Sinha Shastri (granddaughter-in-law of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Mahima Shastri (granddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Mandira Shastri (granddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Bhavya Kumar (greatgranddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Suvigya Nath Singh (greatgranddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumar Sukrit Khanna (greatgrandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Vedika Shastri (greatgranddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Devika Shastri (greatgranddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumar Kartikeya Shastri (greatgrandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumar Lakshya Shastri (greatgrandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumar Abhijay Shastri (greatgrandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumar Abhivir Shastri (greatgrandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Ridhika Shastri (greatgranddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Manya Shastri (greatgranddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumar Vehaan Shastri (greatgrandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumari Jaanya Shastri (greatgranddaughter of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumar Vidhatr Shastri (greatgrandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
- Kumar Vivaan Shastri (greatgrandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri)
PROMINENT CITIZENS & EDUCATIONISTS:
- Dr. Raj Singh, Vice Chancellor, G. D. Goenka University, Gurgaon, Haryana
- Dr. Sarvesh Naidu, Executive Director, Pathways World School, Aravali, Gurgaon, Haryana
- Col. Kr. Pratap Singh, Chairman, CCA School, Gurgaon, Haryana
- Smt. Nirmal Yadav, Principal, CCA School, Gurgaon, Haryana
- Commander Kartikay Saini, Chairman, Scottish High International School, Gurgaon, Haryana
- Dr. Nidhi Trehan, Deputy Chairperson, American Public School, Gurgaon, Haryana
- Smt. Sarabjeet Kaur, Principal, Paramlaksh World School, Alwar District, Rajasthan
- Smt. Saumya Gulati, Assistant Director – Academic Development & Innovation, Blue Bells Group of School, Gurgaon, Haryana
HOSTS:
- Shri Aubrey Aloysius, Managing Director, Lorraine Music Academy; Founder Trustee & President, LAMP Trust; Chairman, National Patriotic Project “COME INDIA SING JANA GANA MANA”
- Smt. Lorraine Fiona Aloysius, Creative Director, Lorraine Music Academy; Founder Trustee, LAMP Trust
- Shri Manoj George, Advocate – Supreme Court; Trustee, LAMP Trust
Photo Albums:
(Click here to view)
The program included:
- Welcome Address by Shri Aubrey Aloysius, Chairman, National Patriotic Project
(Click here to view the video) - Lighting of the Traditional Lamp & SHRADHANJALI
(Click here to view the video) - Group Singing of our NATIONAL ANTHEM – JANA GANA MANA
(Click here to view the video) - Group Singing (A LITTLE PEACE) by students of Lorraine Music Academy & Community
(Click here to view the video) - Group Singing (AAO BACHCHO TUMHE DIKHAYEN) by students of Lorraine Music Academy & Community
(Click here to view the video) - Group Singing (NANNA MUNNA RAHI HUN) by students of Lorraine Music Academy & Community
(Click here to view the video) - Piano Performance (The Soldier’s March) by students of Lorraine Music Academy
(Click here to view the video) - Piano Performance (The Happy Farmer) by student of Lorraine Music Academy
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha with Dr S. Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India
(Click here to view the video) - The LAMPstand Band performance (VANDE MATARAM) by students of the Lorraine Music Academy
(Click here to view the video) - The LAMPstand Band performance (SAARE JAHAAN SE ACHCHA) by students of the Lorraine Music Academy
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Dr. Sarvesh Naidu
(Click here to view the video) - The LAMPstand Band performance (HUM HONGE KAAMYAAB) by students of the Lorraine Music Academy
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Commander Kartikay Saini
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Dr. Raj Singh, Vice Chancellor, G. D. Goenka University
(Click here to view the video) - Group Singing (ASSI DESH DI CHADH DI LAALI) by students of Suncity World School
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Shri Manoj George, Advocate – Supreme Court
(Click here to view the video) - Group Singing (JAI JAWAN JAI KISAN) by students of Pathways World School, Aravali
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Dr. Nidhi Trehan, American Montessori Public School
(Click here to view the video) - Group Singing by students of Scottish High International School
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Smt. Nirmal Yadav, Principal, CCA School
(Click here to view the video) - Lalita Shastri’s Bhajan (BHOLE BHOLE RAT TE HO GAYI MAIN BAAWARIA) sung by Smt. Meera Shastri
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Shri Anil Shastri
(Click here to view the video) - Shri Anil Shastri singing “Aa Chal Ke Tujhe”
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Shri Sunil Shastri
(Click here to view the video) - Shri Sunil Shastri singing “Ek Din Bikh Jaayega”
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Smt. Neera Shastri
(Click here to view the video) - Dance set to Lalita Shastri’s Bhajan performed by Smt. Rashmi Gairola
(Click here to view the video) - Rajasthani Folk Dance (Dholna) by students of Paramlakshya World School
(Click here to view the video) - The Thinkers’ Forum Charcha interaction with Smt. Sarabjeet Kaur
(Click here to view the video) - Patriotic Dance (Mere Desh Ki Dharti) by students of American Montessori Public School
(Click here to view the video) - Farmer’s Dance by students of G. D. Goenka World School
(Click here to view the video) - Patriotic Dance by students of CCA School
(Click here to view the video) - Final Tribute & Group singing of the National Anthem of India – Jana Gana Mana
(Click here to view the video)
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.
