Today is a special day for me! Not only because it\’s the 11th anniversary of our beloved Gaon Connection — which I am proud to say, has emerged as India\’s biggest rural media platform today- – but also because the theme song for COP28 (The United Nations Climate Change Conference) \”Chal Phir Sajaayein\”, written by me was released today in Dubai.
While Indian-American singer Anuradha Juju Palakurthi has lent her amazing vocals to it, the song was recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios in London.
So, let me share the story behind how \”Chalo Phir Sajaayein,\” came to me. Prashanth and Anuradha Juju Palakurthi, friends of mine living in Boston, both music enthusiasts, suggested that I collaborate with the talented Ricky Kej, a three time Emmy Award winning music composer and environmentalist who has been composing music for the United Nations for many years.
Coincidentally, Ricky and I found ourselves at the same event in New Delhi, invited to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi\’s 100 episodes of the famous radio show, Mann Ki Baat at Vigyan Bhavan Auditorium.
Despite following each other on Twitter for years, it was the first time we met in person. We connected instantly and bonded over our shared passion for music. Ricky Kej expressed his interest in composing the song if I was involved. That\’s how the collaboration for the COP28 Theme Song happened.
As far as Ricky\’s association with the UN goes, he has performed at venues in over 30 countries including the United Nations headquarters in New York and Geneva. He\’s also been announced as a UNHCR \”Goodwill Ambassador\”.
Reflecting on the song, \”Chal Phir Sajaayein,\” I see it as more than just music—it\’s a call to action, urging the world to unite in the face of a looming crisis.
Now here comes the third reason for today being a special day for me!
Under Gaon Connection, we also launched a book titled \”The Climate Connection Report 2023,\” today. It features 75 stories from rural India, showcasing the impact of climate change throughout 2023 and emphasizing challenges and innovative solutions, sometimes based on traditional wisdom. It\’s possibly the first time a book puts together an entire year of climate change impact. Here is the link for a free download of the book: (The Download Link of the Book)
Enjoy the lyrics of the Song \”Chal Phir Sajaayein\” below:
आज ज़मीं ने, मुझसे कहा
ज़ख़्म मेरे सी दोगे ज़रा?
आसमाँ ने मुझसे कहा है
काम ये कर सकोगे ज़रा?
चल,
फिर सजाएँ
ये हवाएँ
ये फ़िज़ाएं
चल,
साथ जाएँ
मुश्किलों को,
आज़माएँ
बेमौसम, नाराज़ है मौसम
तपते हैं दिन और कितने हैं ग़म
फ़िक्र का दरिया चढ़ता है जाए
सब्र ने खींचे पीछे क़दम
हम रुके तो
रुक जाए दुनिया
हम चले तो
चल देगी दुनिया
चल,
फिर सजाएँ
ये हवाएँ
ये फ़िज़ाएं
चल,
साथ जाएँ
मुश्किलों को,
आज़माएँ
हम बदले तो
बदलेगी दुनिया
हम जो चले तो
चल देगी दुनिया
चल,
फिर सजाएँ
ये हवाएँ
ये फ़िज़ाएं
चल,
साथ जाएँ
मुश्किलों को,
आज़माएँ
