28 young musicians students from Goa and Lakshadweep participated in a special charity jam session with the Pride of India, Hemaa Sardesai at Bangaram Resort in Lakshadweep.
In a one-of-its-kind experience, FLY91, a pure-play regional airline and Lakshadweep Tourism teamed up to offer an unforgettable evening, where 28 aspiring young musicians from Lakshadweep and Goa had the chance to jam with Hemaa Sardesai on the idyllic chain of islands.
Award-winning singer Hemaa Sardesai, known for her soulful voice and powerful performances, accompanied 11 students, aged between 11 to 15 years, from Panaji’s Don Bosco High School on a FLY91 flight to Agatti, Lakshadweep, where they were joined by 17 junior students aged between 10 to 12 years, from the Government Basic School in Lakshadweep, at the iconic Bangaram Resort. The Resort gained significance earlier this year, following a visit by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has earlier hosted key events of national and international scale, including a G-20 summit in 2023.
The 28 students, escorted by staffers from both schools, participated in a special musical jam session on the idyllic beach sands with Hemaa Sardesai. The objective of the curated session, a first-of-its-kind, was to inspire young musical talent amidst scenic tranquillity and in the company of a popular singer like Sardesai.
Sardesai, who is native to Goa, has won several awards for her enchanting voice, contributing to Bollywood hit songs like Awaara Bhanware (Sapnay, 1996), Yeh Dil Deewana (Pardes, 1997) and Badal Pe Paon Hai (Chak De! India, 2007).
Speaking on the unique collaboration, Manoj Chacko, CEO and MD of FLY91, which is headquartered in Goa, said: “We were thrilled to offer young talent an opportunity to be inspired by an amazing artist like Hemaa Sardesai. This effort was to make the children’s dreams take flight, literally, in an effort to give back to the community. We are very sure that the participating children will be richer by the experience of being mentored by Sardesai.”
Students from the island school also performed several cultural activities during the charity musical jam.
“I am thrilled to partner with FLY91 for this noble cause of inspiring young children who want to learn music. Being a Goan, supporting an airline that is from Goa, values Goa and its young talent, is deeply meaningful to me. FLY91’s commitment resonates with my own values and passion. FLY91 has brought me to Lakshadweep where I feel the presence of God in this serenity. The innocence and love of the local residents reflects through their eyes. There is a purity that you see here in the Lakshadweep islands,” Sardesai said.
Sardesai and FLY91 have expressed hope to replicate such initiatives in the future, in order to touch the lives of even more children through the gift of music.
According to Reuban Nair, Class IX student of Panaji-based Don Bosco High School and a member of the school choir, the time spent with Sardesai helped him understand the importance of being confident on-stage.
“I have learned that you need to be a lot more confident when you sing on stage. You have got to spread your voice into the crowd and make sure everybody hears it. It makes the experience a lot more enjoyable for everybody,” Nair said.
“We are very lucky to have had the opportunity to jam with Hemaa Sardesai. The charity musical jam was awesome,” said Namira I, student of Government Senior Basic School Agatti.
FLY91’s partnership with Lakshadweep Tourism has marked a new chapter in experiential travel, creating unforgettable experiences for travellers to the islands, starting with the next generation of musicians from Goa and the island chain.
A spokesperson from Lakshadweep Tourism said that the musical evening, which was held against the backdrop of the island’s pristine lagoons, was a magical experience and said that they hoped to curate many such rejuvenating experiences for visiting travellers.
