The country recently celebrated its 64th Republic Day and the patriotic fervour still lingers in the air. Even with the political and military tensions clouding the horizon, a young bunch of amateur artists is holding out hope, by showcasing the distinctive ‘Unity in Diversity’ spirit of India, through their music album, ‘Beat of Indian Youth’.
Comprising 13 songs in nine different Indian languages, and sung by artists from across the country, ‘Beat of Indian Youth’ is a first-of-its-kind venture, says Jibin George Sebastian, main coordinator of the album.
“The album was released on the auspicious occasion of India’s 64th Republic Day and the reason for this is because it coincides with the number of people who worked on it. Also, this is the first album to have a myriad variety of songs, in different languages,” he proudly says. The album has tracks in English, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam and Santali. Interestingly, one of the songs has been penned by the great visionary of India, A P J Abdul Kalam. Even when the album was in the inception stage, Jibin was certain that it needed to have a “touch of Kalam’s dream,” and therefore, it was sheer bliss for him when the former President gracefully agreed to provide a poem penned by him for the album.
“It was in November 2009 that I sent him an e-mail asking for two poems of his and my wish to bring out such an album. His prompt reply, with a couple of poems attached, came as manna from heaven, and the moment stays with me still,” says he. The song titled ‘The Vision’ from the album has lyrics penned by Kalam. The album’s official website also is proof of Kalam’s support to the venture, in the form of his special message: “I would like to convey the song of youth to all children of our country and the people. I pray to the Almighty: May the divine peace with beauty enter into our people; Happiness and good health blossom in our bodies, minds and soul.”
Because of its distinction, the album has been cleared in the preliminary proceedings of Guinness Book of World Records too. “Last month we applied for the Guinness record and got the confirmation that such an album has not been witnessed by them, though there exists an album which has the same song sung in different languages,” says Jibin, who initiated the novel project three years ago.
“The album is essentially a call to fight against social evils. ‘Sumoyer Chaka’ is a track that speaks about caring for our parents, ‘Nee Ennil,’ which talks about friendship, is the only Malayalam song and ‘Manav Bomb’ talks about terrorism. ‘Vaa Vaa Jaikkalam’ now tops the charts in an online music competition,” says Vishnu C Salim, a singer for the album.
Other main coordinators of the album are Krishna Raaj, Sajeev Sarathie (of ‘Dam 999’ fame) and J M Soren. The album, initiated by 20db Productions, is available through eBay, addhoc and ezyBy. “A part of the money generated from each sale of the album will go towards charity. A video release is scheduled in March. We are also planning to bring out the second volume of the album by August 15,” adds Jibin enthusiastically.