Indo-US bond to be showcased
On Monday at the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Indo-US friendship would be sealed with the yesteryears’ hit duet, yeh dosti hum nahin torenge. The Shillong Chamber Choir would present the number with US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh watching and attempting to strengthen the bond between the two nations.
The tribute to Indo-US friendship will be followed by To God Be The Glory, a popular 19th Century hymn composed by William Howard Doane and penned by American lyricist Fanny Crossby. The 20 minute performance will end with Deep River, an Afro-American hymn. Sources stated that the two hymns have been chosen as it was felt that the US President would be able to identify with them. An opera piece in Khasi will also be performed by the choir.
“We would like to showcase our culture, and so there will be Khasi opera. We hope to do justice,” said Damon Lyndem, bass singer and media coordinator for the choir.
The Shillong Chamber Choir will be followed by folk musicians from Rajasthan, Indian classical artists on sitar, violin, flute and tabla. While the cultural programme will take place in Durbar Hall, the banquet will be held in Mughal Gardens on the Presidential Estate.
A short dance performance by exponents of Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Odissi will take place at the formal banquet. The US President will enjoy the banquet at Mughal Gardens along with President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders. President Patil and the US President are also likely to make a short speech during the evening. With the US President’s visit coinciding with Diwali a visual extravaganza of pyrotechnics is also planned for the guests.
Interestingly, Mr Obama will be amongst the first heads of state to be welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan after large scale renovation and restoration work at the official residence of Indian President that was being undertaken over the past few months.
Official sources at Rashtrapati Bhavan remained tight-lipped about the exact menu at the banquet.
However, sources stated that the banquet will have a lavish spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes of both Indian and continental cuisine.
Post new comment