An organisation that works with the poor has come up with a music video to encourage people to turn away from conflict and focus on working together and make the world a better place.
Calcutta Rescue has created a cover version of John Lennon’s song Imagine, to convey the message of peace, harmony, empathy and understanding.
The 5 minute 39 seconds video was launched on March 20. It now has over 2,000 views on YouTube.
The video begins with a message from Jack Preger, a British doctor who had made Kolkata his home 40 years ago to fulfil his life’s mission of providing medical care and schooling to the poor. He is the founder of Calcutta Rescue.
Preger retired at 88 and has been living in Norfolk, UK, since.
“If you look at the overall situation in the world today, it may seem that our work is just a drop in the ocean and of no significance...I hope that in all the terrible situations in the world today, I hope that the example Calcutta Rescue sets in its own small way, will be widely appreciated.”
The video was shot in some of the slums where the organisation works, capturing the lives of the women and the children.
“The conflict in Gaza, the war in Ukraine and the conflicts around the world has left many of us disturbed. The idea of the music video emerged from a corridor conversation that instead of feeling despondent, we should focus on what is in our control, which is work to make our contribution to society through the work that we do,” said Jaydeep Chakraborty, CEO, Calcutta Rescue.
The video also shows ruins or dinginess around, but talks of hope and a world with no discrimination.
“You may say I’m a dreamer/ But I’m not the only one/I hope someday you’ll join us/ And the world will be as one,” are the words from the song Imagine.
“There is instability and uncertainty in the world and it directly impacts children. We want more people to think about peace and harmony that would make it a better place,” said Ananya Chatterjee, education administrator, at the organisation.
“This world is tired of violence, war, hatred/ love and unity can bring back its peace / Let’s forget about country-border, religion, caste, / Let’s all sing the song of “one world” in one tune,” is the English translation of a portion sung in Bangla.
The Bangla portion has been composed by a member of Calcutta Rescue.