A musical tribute to Ambedkar’s ideals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: He is an icon revered by millions across the country. And the time couldn’t be more apt to pay a tribute to the visionary and one of the sculptors of our Constitution, B R Ambedkar. A group of filmmakers has come out with an iconic tribute to this torch bearer of humanity with a music album. The team under the banner of First Nation Combines released the album titled ‘We Stand Together’ the other day on YouTube, ahead of the birth anniversary of Ambedkar.

This album championing the very ideals that Ambedkar espoused is intended to uplift the spirit of the marginalised sections in the society and aid them in their fight towards equality and justice. Through the album, the filmmakers exhort the downtrodden to unite behind the shield of the Constitution and fight the forces trying to dismantle the social fabric.

“This album has been structured in a way to embolden, give strength and uplift the spirits of the many sections who continue to be exploited and attacked,” said Nishanth who is the music director of the album. Adhering to the thoughts and rooted in the ideology of Ambedkar, the crew behind the album tries to spread the ideals of the trailblazer. The song has been rendered by Silvin Luis.

The scripting of the album was by award-winning director Jeeva Nishanth and Syam Lal. “The time couldn’t be more apt than this. We all have to unite under the tenets of the Constitution to thwart the divisive forces of the society,” said Jeeva.

“The rising atrocities against the marginalised in the society is burgeoning at an ever-increasing pace. They shock us. It is the thoughts of Ambedkar which inspired us to create this album and this is our tribute to this exemplary personality,” says Syam Lal.

The album was produced by Bahujan Social Foundation. Syam believes art is always political and artists ought to involve in society.

“This is just the start. We hope this work of ours gives immense strength to the marginalised in their fight against atrocities committed against them and that it starts a discussion in the social realm,” he adds.
Shot in Cherai beach, Kochi, the song has been scripted in English with the intention of reaching a wider crowd.

The camera was wielded by Premjith Natesan and Sreejith Natesan while the orchestra was arranged by Vishwanath M S. The editing was by Premjith Natesan while art was by Dani Muziris.
The album ends on a profound quote by Ambedkar: “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”