Gurugram song acts as catalyst for cultural integration and unity: Yashashvi Mukesh

Team L&M

A community comprising different stakeholders of Gurugram – residents, government bodies, media, education institutes, real estate, corporates, banks, social & non-profit organisations etc, Give Back to Gurugram, has come out with an anthem for the city. Life & More spoke with Yashashvi Mukesh, Head of Partnerships at Give Back to Gurugram about the making of the song. Excerpts from an interview:

Yashashvi Mukesh

Who is the brain behind the song? Why and when was the need felt for this song?
The song is the brainchild of Geek Creative agency, led by Mayank Agrawal. The need for this song arose to unite and inspire the residents of Gurugram, an initiative driven by Geek called Give Back to Gurugram. The song was created to foster a sense of unity and ignite the passion of Gurugrammers to take action.
The name change from Gurgaon to Gurugram played a significant role in the creation of this song. The lack of efforts to assimilate the name change and the need to embrace the new identity fully prompted the song’s creation. It aims to help the community embrace the new name, fostering a sense of unity and oneness among the residents.

How has the name change impacted the city and its people – what’s in a name?
The name change from Gurgaon to Gurugram has profoundly impacted the city and its people. It represents a deeper connection to historical and cultural roots, drawing inspiration from Guru Dronacharya from the Mahabharata. The renaming has instilled a strong sense of belonging and cultural pride among the residents, motivating them to embrace their struggles and aspirations with renewed purpose. Similar to Arjuna’s determination, Gurugrammers embody a spirit of excellence and perseverance.
The name Gurugram serves as a reminder of the city’s rich heritage and empowers the present generation to contribute to its growth and fulfill their responsibilities. It symbolizes a seamless bond between the city and its people, uniting them in a shared journey of progress and unity. A name encompasses stories, values, and aspirations, becoming integral to one’s identity and shaping how they perceive themselves and others. A name can inspire, motivate, and forge a collective purpose and pride.

How do you think a song like this can help change the city?
The song acts as a catalyst for cultural integration and unity. It brings people from diverse backgrounds together, reminding them of their shared experiences and aspirations. This sense of togetherness fosters a spirit of collaboration and collective action, enabling the city’s residents to address challenges, support one another, and work towards common goals.
The song relates to the lives of every individual in the city, celebrating the hustle, resilience, and focused vision, similar to Guru Dronacharya’s disciple Arjuna. It embodies the feeling of passion, success, and the city’s amazing life.
A song like this has the potential to bring about positive change in the city in several ways. First, it serves as a powerful medium of connection and inspiration, resonating with the lives of every individual in the city. It captures the essence of everyday struggles, resilience, and the determination never to give up, akin to the story of Arjuna. Through relatable lyrics and uplifting melodies, the song can ignite a sense of motivation and unity among listeners, encouraging them to persevere and pursue their dreams.
Moreover, the song celebrates the vibrant and unique aspects of the city, highlighting the joys and opportunities it offers. The song can inspire residents to actively participate in improving their community by fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for their hometown. It can evoke a shared vision of a thriving and progressive city, encouraging individuals to contribute their talents, time, and energy toward its development.

Who has written the song – if it’s a collaboration, how did you go about it?
It is a collaborative effort of many people, including Mayank. The creative process included contributions from Bluebells School students, teachers, and local influencers who played a significant role in its production. This collaborative approach embodies the spirit of democracy, encapsulating the essence of “Of the people, For the people, and By the people.”

Is it targeted at Gurugram residents or people in general? What message do you want to send across through this song?
While the song primarily targets Gurugram residents, it also aims to create a piece that can be appreciated and enjoyed by people beyond the city. The song intends to showcase the essence of Gurugram, its culture, and the spirit of its people while resonating with a broader audience.
The message the song aims to send is one of unity, resilience, and embracing the unique qualities of Gurugram. It seeks to inspire listeners to recognize the power of community, the importance of pursuing their passions, and the joy of celebrating the city’s vibrant life.

What elements or musical styles have you incorporated into the song? Do those represent Gurugram’s culture or history?
The song incorporates diverse musical elements and styles to create an inclusive and engaging experience. It blends rock music with a fusion of English, Hindi, and Haryanvi languages, reflecting the cultural diversity and linguistic richness of Gurugram.
The choice of musical styles aims to resonate with the dynamic and cosmopolitan nature of the city, appealing to a broad audience. The song represents the cultural fusion and inclusivity that defines Gurugram by incorporating different languages and genres.
In terms of lyrics, the song highlights famous and relevant places within Gurugram, showcasing the city’s unique landmarks and attractions. This helps create a sense of pride and familiarity among the residents while also introducing listeners outside the city to its notable features. Overall, the musical styles, multilingual lyrics, and references to local landmarks serve to capture the essence of Gurugram’s culture and history.

How do you think this song can contribute to the overall city identity and culture of Gurugram?
As the first dedicated anthem for Gurugram, this song has immense significance in shaping the city’s identity and culture. It becomes a unifying force that resonates deeply with the residents, fostering a strong sense of connection and pride in their city.
By showcasing Gurugram’s vibrant characteristics, unique landmarks, and the collective spirit of its people, the song is a powerful expression of the city’s identity to the world.

What kind of impact are you expecting on the residents?
The song aims to positively impact the residents of Gurugram by fostering a sense of unity, pride, and connection to their city. It is expected to evoke emotions, inspire, and uplift the listeners, creating a shared experience that resonates with their daily lives and aspirations. Through its celebration of Gurugram’s uniqueness and the collective spirit of its people, the song intends to instill a sense of belonging and motivate residents to contribute to the growth and betterment of their city.

What next?
We will focus on leveraging the momentum and engagement generated by the song to further unite the community and address key issues the city faces. This includes community-driven projects, collaborations with local organizations, and campaigns addressing civic, environmental, and social challenges.

Copy edited by Upasana Kaura