Jyothi Venkatesh

The three-part series Bharat Ke Mahaveer – a UN in India, NITI Aayog and Discovery India initiative – showcases stories of extraordinary kindness shown by people at a time of the COVID-19 crisis. To pay tribute to India’s selfless heroes of the pandemic, popular fusion rock band, Indian Ocean has composed a powerful anthem for the upcoming series Bharat Ke Mahaveer, a UN in India, NITI Aayog and Discovery India initiative.

The anthem was launched on the United Nations’ 75th anniversary today.With powerful lyrics — Manzilain Humse Khud Aaj Kehne Lageen, Dil Mein Hai Hausla, Jeetegi Zindagi featuring hosts – Dia Mirza and Sonu Sood — the anthem celebrates India’s selfless heroes, who have shown extraordinary kindness – extending a helping hand to the vulnerable, going that extra mile – without any expectation. Inspired by the tremendous display of humanity illustrated by these mahaveers, the band has shaped this anthem to spread a ray of hope during these difficult times, and with a promise of building India back — better and together.

“We believe that it is important to bring out the positive stories amidst all the prevailing negativity. That is precisely why we associated with Bharat Ke Mahaveer to create the anthem. It beautifully highlights the message that if we all come together, with good intentions and our collective efforts, we can, and we will overcome this difficult situation. It is a gesture of support and appreciation to those unsung heroes who continued to work while everyone was locked down at home,” said members of the band – Indian Ocean.

“It feels great to see that people stepped up during such difficult times to help those in need and we saw many examples of such stories around us. Many have been working whole heartedly to provide essential services even during this pandemic, to make sure that others do not need put their lives at risk. The Bharat Ke Mahaveer anthem is a salute to all such heroes and we have tried to do justice to these inspiring stories through our music,” they added.

Sonu Sood, who features in the video said, “It was altogether a different feeling to be a part of this anthem video. The lyrics are so powerful and give a sense of hope, even during these uncertain times. The words ‘Dil Mein Hai Hausla, Jeetegi Zindagi’ rightly convey that when we have courage and hope, nothing can stop us from winning.”

He further said, “I had goosebumps when I first heard this song.”UN Secretary-General’s SDG Advocate Dia Mirza said, “I cannot think of a more fitting day to launch the Bharat Ke Mahaveer anthem than the UN’s 75th anniversary. In many ways, the anthem embodies the timeless values of the UN Charter. It speaks of hope, solidarity, unity and brotherhood. And during these difficult and trying times, this message is exactly what India and the world need.”

Bharat Ke Mahaveer has attracted premium advertisers on-board. The series is Co-powered by Amazon.in, MI TV, Dell while Amul, Kia Sonet and Hicks, Hot Water Bottle are the Associate Sponsors.The United Nations in India, NITI Aayog and Discovery India are launching #BharatKeMahaveer, a three-part series which will air on Discovery Channel to celebrate the actions of 12 local champions who, through their exemplary actions, have been spreading a ray of hope, coming together in strength and solidarity.Bharat Ke Mahaveer is a television programme and not a contest, and the 12 stories are representative of the spirit of solidarity and unity in the country.