Four years ago, Kia Scherr lost her husband and 13 year old daughter in the 26/11 terrorist attack. She could have stayed bitter but chose to forgive the terrorists and formed the One Life Alliance.
On November 25, Kia along with Gul Kriplani, the Honorary Council General of Iceland and students from Mumbai colleges did a ‘Peace O thon’ to spread the message of peace.
The Shillong Chamber Choir, representing the North East was an apt partner in the event, the North East being a region that is known to conflict had the SCC transcend all boundaries through their music that got the crowd in raptures as they performed Neil Nongkynrih’s composition of the song Vande Mataram – I’m So Proud To Be An Indian.
Minister of state, Shashi Tharoor and other dignitaries of state and religion graced the show. The master of ceremonies was Bollywood Actor Vivek Oberoi and also sharing the same stage in song with the Happy Home Blind Choir was actress and singer – Raageshwari Loomba.
The SCC opened their act with Ibarisha Lyngdoh singing an opera piece entitled ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ which set the mood for a duet with William Richmond Basaiawmoit joining her for ‘The Prayer’.
After the song, William introduced the next piece, i.e. Vande Mataram as a song that spreads the message of ‘healing the wounded gap in a world with so much suffering’ and as youths of India and the north east, he went on to say that they were proud to be Indians.
The song was received with a standing ovation from the audience and they moved on to end with a medley of songs that evoked nationalistic pride and hope.
The song included excerpts from Sare Jahan Se Acha, Aashayein and Rang De Basanti. The choir left the stage to a loud applause of appreciation from the Mumbaikars.