Mexico City: Raghu Pati Raghav Raja Ram, the famous hymn of Mahatma Gandhi, rendered melodiously by local Mexicans and accompanied by pre-Hispanic musical instruments, left the audience spell bound at a function attended by President Pratibha Patil here.
Other Indian verses, including one in Sanskrit Loka Samastha Sukno Bhavantu (May the Lord bless the whole world with eternal peace and goodwill), were also played on pre-hispanic musical instruments Inckus Utop Chec (flower of Maguer tree) and Ocarina as Patil paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
For the Indian delegation, it was an experience of a different kind to hear these hymns being played on pre-Hispanic musical instruments blended with the locals singing them in Hindi and Sanskrit. Generally these verses are played on traditional Veena and flute.
The Mexican band, popularly known as Bio Uibra, performed as Patil stepped into the venue to pay floral tributes at the statue of the father of nation located at Mahatma Gandhi Road in Mexico city. The statue was installed in 1970 here.
The atmosphere was serene as the Mexican music band performed on the sides of a busy city road, setting the perfect background for the President to speak about Gandhi. "Though he was born in India, Gandhiji belongs to the entire humanity. He belongs to every nook and corner of the world and those who are seeking peace. It was a spirit that crossed mountains, rivers, trees and touched each and every heart," Patil said.
