A Tune Celebrated By The Indian Armed Forces Echoed In Shillong’s Tribute To Covid-19 Warriors 

As part of the Indian Armed Forces tribute to the Covid-19 warriors across the country, members of the Indian Army performed a musical tribute in Shillong.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has shared a clip of the members of the Indian Army performing a tribute of the Indian Army band to the Covid-19 warriors on Twitter.

The tribute was meant to honour those who are spearing the efforts to curb the spread of Covid 19, those who are risking lives in the combat against the virus everyday, and those who have been engaged in bringing back stranded Indians from abroad, and citizens who are backing this fight during the nationwide lockdown.

The tune being performed by the band is ‘Deh Shiva’ — which is known to have stood by the braves of India on the toughest battlefields, just as the sacred hymn, which this tune has been inspired by, has stood by the braves in India's history.

The tune ‘Deh Shiva’ played by the Indian Armed forces celebrates the sacred and iconic hymn from Guru Gobind Singh, which is found in Chandi Charitar Ukti Bilas, a section of the Dasam Granth.

It celebrates and invokes the inner strength to fight against the enemy.

‘Deh Shiva’ is revered and sung by Sikhs the world over.

There is a line in Deh Shiva: न डरौं अरि सौं जब जाय लड़ौं, निश्चय कर अपनी जीत करौं ॥ It refers to the fearlessness for fighting the enemy. ‘निश्चय कर अपनी जीत करौं’ means: ensuring victory and victorious with determination. From within this line, ‘निश्चय कर अपनी जीत करौं’ makes the motto of the Sikh Regiment.

‘Deh Shiva’ has echoed at Republic day celebrations over the decades. For the Indian Armed Forces, ‘Deh Shiva’, the tune which celebrates the hymn, has gone on to become an anthem of bravery, valour, unity and solidarity and its celebration, expanding across their wide emotional and cultural canvas.

‘Deh Shiva’ was also played by the Tri-Services Band —  which is the combined services band of the Indian Armed Forces, at the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi in 2010.

‘Deh Shiva’ the hymn, and ‘Deh Shiva’, the tune celebrated by the Indian Armed forces are valued by people across religions and cultures in India.

They cut across geographical boundaries and find people to inspire during the most difficult challenges.

The initiative was announced at a press conference conducted in Delhi. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

The Indian Armed Forces have vowed to support the ongoing efforts of the frontline workers fighting Covid-19.