Modi’s dreams for India are unstoppable: Chandrika Tandon

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “dreams for India are unstoppable,” and his exemplary execution inspires the diaspora to do more, says Indian American Grammy-nominated artist, business leader, and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon.

Tandon, who was the star performer at the Modi&US community event held at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York, Sunday, says as an artist “it was an honor to be a small part of a great event for Modi, as part of the Indian diaspora — a powerful bridge between our two countries.”

For her the most memorable moment of the event was to “look out at the patriotic fervor and love that the Indian diaspora audience of thousands share for the two great democracies; and to be able to present to them a beautiful medley of two iconic songs from India and the US.”

Speaking of how Modi’s leadership has impacted the global Indian community, Tandon said, “Modi has an extraordinary following, he has transformed India’s image in the world. His hopes and dreams for India reach higher and higher and are unstoppable, and his execution has been exemplary. It inspires all of us to do more.”

READ: Chandrika Tandon’s new album reconnects to childhood (October 28, 2023)

Tandon, whose music blends traditional Indian influences with contemporary styles, says the music piece for the Modi&US event, “brought two renowned songs together — and the glorious, diverse voices of the global-award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, brought a whole new dimension, allowing us to express multiple vocal harmonies.”

Her long-term collaborator, Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, helped put the beautiful arrangements together. Tandon says she deeply loves America and India, and the medley of Vande Mataram and America the Beautiful is a perfect musical confluence of iconic compositions from each country.

“For me, it felt powerful, inspiring, and uplifting, and it felt the same for the young students that were part of the choir, she says about her feelings while performing in front of such a diverse and enthusiastic audience.

Through her music during the event, Tandon hoped to convey that “We are all one, we are all part of one great planet, together we can do more,” she says. “I am grateful to be part of both these extraordinary nations. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

In the context of high-profile events such as Modi&US performance, Tandon believes “Music is a great healer across all divides. Having non-Indian New York City schoolchildren so joyfully and with great love, sing Vande Mataram and America the Beautiful, is truly the spirit of the world coming together.”

“Blending both western and Indian musical styles with large choirs has been part of my journey for the past five years, since my album Shivoham — The Quest,” she says talking about her future musical projects.

Tandon is now composing and performing several major pieces integrating Sanskrit chants with choral harmonies — “all echoing my mantra of Love Light Laughter, spreading a message of love and healing.”

She was all praise for all the volunteers “that gave so tirelessly and selflessly of themselves. I was struck by their grace and energy as they did the seemingly impossible, yet keeping a smile on their faces. They are the unsung heroes. There are too many instances to share, not just during the event, but in the short days leading up to it.”