An Anthem for the Bravehearts amidst Lofty Mountain Peaks

As an Indian Composer / Singer what were your reflections when you sang and launched the anthem at Rezangla on the morning of 4th May ? Would be pleased if you could share your inner thoughts

Indian singer and composer Joi Barua and his band created history atop Rezang La War Memorial on May 4, 2022 when they released an Anthem for the 114 Bravehearts and War Veterans of the Indian Army in the presence of the GOC (General Officer Commanding) 14 Corps, Lt. Gen. Anindya Sengupta (Ati Vishishta Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal) at 16,420 feet and marked the closing of the Ladakh International Music Festival.

The Anthem is a heartfelt tribute signifying the courage of Major (with the unusual name) Shaitan Singh and his men, who were equipped for the fight with little more than their indomitable spirit on 18th November, 1962. For the record, the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment was entrusted with the defense of Chushul. Its C Company, consisting of 117 men was responsible for holding Rezang La. General K S Thimayya, the most celebrated Kumaoni and independent India's fourth Army Chief, applauded the defenders of Rezang La in glowing terms, as did his successor more than a decade later, General T N Raina, also belonging to the Kumaon Regiment. In the words of Thimayya: "In military history you rarely come across such examples when facing such heavy odds. The men fought to the last bullet and the last man".

The Ladakh International Music Festival (LIMF) was conceived by Sushil Chaudhary, founder and chief executive officer, Picturetime and music composer Joi Barua.

On asking Joi about the back story soon after the historic launch of the Anthem in Rezang La, the humble musician shared, "In the 1962 Indo China War, 114 Indian soldiers had died killing about 1300 Chinese soldiers, while defending this post in Eastern Ladakh. This site on the LAC has since become The Holy Grail of the Indian Army. I came to know about this in a conversation with my friend Sushil Choudhury at the International Tribal Film Festival in March 22, at Dirang, Arunachal."

While we were discussing our mutual love for the hills and mountains over a cup of tea, the conversation soon veered towards Ladakh, and to the story of Rezang La. In the next two weeks we found ourselves on this exact spot. From then on, it was a lot of soul searching conversations and also discussions with the army which led to the thought of the anthem as well as a festival celebrating the brave-hearts. It may be mentioned here that the lyrics of the anthem was penned by none other than Ibson Lal Baruah while the production was handled by Pawan Rasaily.

After a short break we started our journey back to Leh with a long stretch of the blue Pangong Lake on our left. We decided to tell these stories of heroic feats and simultaneously celebrate our inclusiveness and our unique individual differences. "India is a continent in itself which is multi ethnic with a poly cultural milieu and I think our Sentinels - the Indian Army is the best studio to narrate our stories…" Joi and I contemplated.

The festival was touted to be a part of "Youth Engagement for Ladakh" initiative by the authorities. Divided into legs, the first half of the Ladakh International Music Festival was a rock band competition where five-six local rock groups got a chance to showcase their talent. The event was graced by the frontline warriors of the Indian Army and Actor Darshan Kumar who was a part of Kashmir Files. The motely audience saw huge audience participation from local Ladakhis.

If festival directors going forward want to reduce its environmental impact, their key challenges I presume would remain "transport, tents and toilets- the 3 T's."

According to the festival director, Sushil Choudhury, the emphasis is not just on what happens at the festival but what the audience takes from it afterwards.

"Of course, building portable mini-cinemas in fields across the country has an environmental impact," he says. "But festivals can prompt long-term behavioural change so we are very choosy with our venues. People are open to new ideas and it invites them into a different conversation. We cause a conscious cultural shift – using less plastic, reducing waste, living sustainably. If these can be achieved on site, they can make a difference long after people have gone home."

Quite frankly, I too realized that walking through picturesque mountains and passes over the years has bestowed me with enormous knowledge, wisdom and life lessons that no book or classroom ever could. Not to forget the art of smiling, being humble, appreciating small things, developing virtues like patience and humility and how a positive attitude can create wonders. We are the sum of our mistakes, aspirations, dreams, life choices and the risks we take to get to the place where we want to be – and yes, it's worth it. Travel does make you fall in love with learning !

When I sang and launched it - it was a dream/trancelike state. I along with the band members were all looking at the Rezang La mountain pass where the famous battle had happened. We did feel another force channeling us while we were playing/singing it- the legacy of Shaitan Singh perhaps. Suddenly the sun had an otherworldly halo - like a cosmic phenomenon was directly above us. Everyone noticed. Like a sign from the Gods who were showing up for this. I was left mesmerized. As an Indian, I felt truly unique and special at that moment, to be able to be sing this to the Indian Army which was seated royally in front of me. Instantly, like a whiff of fresh breadth a sense of purpose was installed in my life once again …Jai Hind !!!

The writer is an acclaimed musician and a patron of art and theatre

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