As part of the 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, artistes from over 124 countries have contributed musically in paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi through his favourite bhajan ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’.

On ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a medley version of the famous ‘bhajan’ by artists from over 40 countries, during the closing ceremony of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference in the presence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Sushri Uma Bharti and other prominent personalities.

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‘’Bapu unites the world! Among the highlights of today’s programme was the excellent rendition of Bapu’s favourite ‘Vaishnav Jan To’ by artists from 124 nations. This is a must hear. #Gandhi150,’’  Modi tweeted later.

Bapu unites the world!

Among the highlights of today’s programme was the excellent rendition of Bapu’s favourite ‘Vaishnav Jan To’ by artists from 124 nations.

This is a must hear. #Gandhi150 pic.twitter.com/BBaXK0TOf9

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2018

The famous Gujarati hymn was penned by the 15th-century poet Narasimha Mehta and was one of the favorite ‘bhajans’ of Mahatma Gandhi who included it into the roster of prayers routinely sung before his meetings.

All Indian Missions abroad identified a local artists/group to record the bhajan in the run-up to ‘Gandhi Jayanti’. The result is an eclectic, colorful and rich rendition of the hymn infused with the local flavor of the region.

From Armenia to Angola, Sri Lanka to Serbia, Iraq to Iceland, prominent local singers/groups have showcased their talent to this favourite hymn of the Mahatma.

One-two videos from different regions of the world were then put together in a fusion video of about 5 minutes to give a flavour of the ‘bhajan’ as recorded by different artists. It is expected to have a contribution from all the countries recognised by the UN.

Among the star, performers is President Baron Divavesi Waqa of Nauru. President Waqa’s gesture was not just a special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th Birth Anniversary but was also a personal gift from him to PM Narendra Modi. \

The medley version, as well as the individual country contributions, are available on the External Affairs Ministry’s Youtube page.