Venue: India Islamic Cultural Center

Republic day – 26th January, for most of us is another nice holiday in winters.

Ours had a twist this time. Chicago Children’s Choir had come to Delhi ( and some other cities after this ) and performed that evening at India Islamic Cultural Center. We attended and let this group of 50 odd multiracial youngsters (all in 10 to 16 age group ) conquer our hearts.

They performed many numbers from various cultures and languages – Allah hoo to pieces from Ramayan. Compilation of Michael Jackson songs to other songs of peace and harmony.

Some of the performers not just looked like Luther Vandross, Lenny Kravitz and Des’ree but were on their path to becoming music legends like them. The conductor Josephine Lee had this almost hypnotic control over the team that ensured melody, harmony and synchronization in vocals, instruments and dance.

For little more than an hour, we forgot geographical boundaries and became one with people around the globe.

The kids danced, changed positions, combinations and changed dresses in the course of the show. Despite the power cut and other related snags, the choir was unstoppable!

A great gift from the home of Uncle Sam on Indian Republic Day. JAI HIND to that!