I for India is a live concert that was held online on Youtube and Facebook on May 3, 2020. This live concert was similar to One World: Together at Home, an initiative by Global Citizens and WHO to raise funds in the US for COVID-19. Both these concerts were held to urge people to donate funds for the pandemic. I for India one was held to raise 6 crore rupees for coronavirus relief from the general public. The money is being raised for GiveIndia’s COVID-19 relief work.
Popular artists, businessmen, actors, cricketers, and musicians from around the world participated in the I for India concert. They gave meaningful performances from their heart as they came together to support the cause. All performers stood in solidarity with the frontline workers who are battling COVID-19. All doctors, healthcare professionals, and policemen received an honorable mention. Everyone expressed their deepest condolences and regret towards the victims of COVID-19. Amitabh Bachchan even took a moment to remember his co-star and friend Rishi Kapoor who passed away from cancer a few days ago.
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The Concert
The concert started at 7:30 PM and went on till almost midnight. A host of famous actors and singers participated in this concert. At any point in time, there were about 35,000-36,000 people viewing the concert. Will Smith and Bryan Adams joined the concert to stand in solidarity with India and urged the people to donate.
Parineeti Chopra sang a soulful song while Priyanka Chopra read out a heartfelt poem. Sonu Nigam dropped in and sang his hit song ‘Tanhai’ for the audience. Some other people who added to the charm were Nick Jonas, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Gulzar, and AR Rehman. It was organized by popular Bollywood directors, Karan Johar and Zoya Akhtar.
The last one to show up at 11:45 PM was Shah Rukh Khan who is also known as the King of Bollywood. He sang a quirky and funny song for the audience and gave his touch to I for India. It had a simple line ‘chodd na yaar, sab theek ho jayega’ (let it be my friend, everything will be fine) which resonated with the mood of the people. He ended his performance by saying that we should have the mentality of ‘I can, I will and I must’ help in whatever way we can and then he urged the people to do their bit and donate.
Final Thoughts
Apart from healthcare professionals, none of us can directly fight COVID-19 on the frontlines. However, we can do our bit by practicing social distancing and staying inside our homes. The only way we can defeat COVID-19 is by fighting it together but in isolation. We can take part in the fight against COVID-19 by donating money as well. I for India was a good platform where artists channelized their social stature and used it or a good cause. They were able to direct their fan following into supporting the fight against COVID-19. This pandemic has affected us all and uprooted our lives. I for India sent out a good and positive message that everyone is in this fight together.
