Tara sings at the UN ESCAP in Bangkok.

Tara had a unique opportunity on Tuesday the 2nd October.

UN has declared Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday as the 'International Day of Non-Violence'. Thus on, 2 October 2007, ESCAP in collaboration with the Embassy of India, Bangkok organised a function to commemorate this day.

The Ambassador of India kindly asked Tara to sing two Bhajan's (Inspirational hymns) which were favourites of the Mahatma. It was organised at the United Nations conference centre. The UN building as you can expect is an impressive building and the facilities were excellent.

It is easier to copy from the aesthetically designed programme to give you an idea of the day.

10:30 -11.00 hours

Refreshments

10.45 hours

Arrival of H.E. Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister for Panchyat Raj, Youth Affairs and Sports and Development of North-eastern Region, Government of India and H.E. Ms. Latha Reddy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of India to ESCAP.

11.00 -12.15 hour

Opening of the event:

-Presentation of a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi to ESCAP by the Embassy of India, Bangkok.

-Lighting of the lamp.

Visual presentation of Mahatma Gandhi's message on non-violence.

Rendition of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Hindi inspirational hymns by Ms. Tara Srinidhi, Teacher, New International School of Thailand (NIST) and Vocal Artist, accompanied by Mr. Maiya Singh on the taar shehanai and Mr. Sripad Rajguru on the tabla.

Message of Mr. Ban Ki-moon, secretary General of the United Nations.

Keynote statement by H.E. Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar.

Adress by Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCap.

Celebrating peace, harmony and non-violence: songs by Ms. Sophie Tanapura, Soprano and Founder of the Metropolitan Opera of Bangkok , accompanied by Ms. Elvira Galioullina, Pianist.

The programme was well attended including children from some schools. The family was represented by me and Priya (The picture was taken by her!) Many spoke to Tara and appreciated her singing. It was a good performance and Maiya Singh and Sripad did really play well to enhance the quality of the program. I think all were moved by the Hymns, especially 'Raghupati Raghava' which has a great appeal due to its simplicity and its message. Equally appealing was the Songs rendered by Sophie.

The Key note address by the Hon. Minister was made extempore. It was brilliant and well appreciated.

The programme also included a translation of the Hymns and the songs elegantly made as a bookmark. It also included a brief two page leaflet about Gandhi, quoting a few well-known sayings from him.

Some were nice to send Tara a mail and I am enclosing them here:

Dear Tara,
You sang beautifully. Well done! And in front of all those important people.
Thank you for inviting us.
Simon (Head Master NIST)

Dear Tara,
I enjoyed your singing and was intellectually stimulated to deeper thought by the key note address. Can’t get better than that for a trip out, mental and sensual stimulation,
Thanks
Adrian (Deputy Head NIST)

Dear all,
I wish to thank Ms. Yuen Wah, Mr. Yafei, Mr. Hak-fan Lau, Mrs. Tara, and Ms. Sophie for the excellent teamwork exhibited for the success of the International day.

I wish to also acknowledge the support of all those hands who worked behind the curtain to make this event a great success.
Regards
Anandi Venkateswaran ( Attache' and Asst. Permanent Representative to UN-ESCAP, Embassy of India

Dear Tara, You and your team greatly enhanced the beauty and spirituality of the event! Thank you indeed! Yw

Special assistant the executive secretary and secretary to the commision, Office of the executive secretary UNESCAP.

Dear Ms. Tara,
I did enjoy your lovely performance!
With best wishes,
Pamela Osathanugrah