In a show of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for all health workers who risk their lives to keep the world safe from Covid-19, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has gathered composers, musicians and singers from across India for a rare musical creation under the theme “United We Fight”.

Written and composed by Joe Alvares, it has vocals by Usha Uthup, Salim Merchant, Shefali Alvares Rashid, Benny Dayal, Sonam Kalra, Chandan Bala Kalyan, Joe Alvares, Salome and Samira.

Music is by Tubby, Pandit Ravi Chari, Pandit Rakesh Chaurasiya and Ustad Faisal Qureshi – all contributing recordings from their home. The song is a rendition weaving English lyrics into the notes and beats of Indian classical music.

Indian ambassador to Cambodia Manika Jain said Covid-19 knows no boundaries, having infected more than 4.3 million people and claimed nearly 300,000 lives globally as of Thursday, according to the Johns Hopkins University official tally.

“It has an enormous impact on humanity regardless of caste, class, colour, religion and belief systems. With much of the world placed in lockdowns, it has also taken a heavy toll on the global economy.

“The song conveys the essence of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, or “the world is one family”, with a message of hope, joy, resilience and fighting spirit in this global fight against the pandemic,” she said.

Jain said it calls for solidarity and concerted efforts in helping, assisting, sharing knowledge, cooperating and coordinating with one another in this collective fight against the contagious disease.

Created by India’s Ministry of External Affairs as an autonomous organisation to promote its soft power abroad, the ICCR said the song is also intended as a homage to all the artists and performers.

They represent the cultural legacy of their respective motherland and keep their cultural heritage vibrant and alive as the world is brought down to its knees amid the pandemic.

The ICCR expressed high hopes that the song will inspire the world to pursue this united fight against Covid-19.

“Light a candle, cheer the frontline workers, donate for the needy, spare time for the elderly, be available to volunteer,” it said.