Mumbai – Five years have passed since international singer and actress Mary Millben debuted her virtual rendition of the Hindu hymn “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” during Diwali 2020. To commemorate this milestone, the performance will be re-released on all of Millben’s social media channels on October 20.
Speaking about the re-release, Millben said, “The performance will be re-aired at a time when the world needs light and hope. Re-airing this special performance at a time when our world is experiencing a true battle of light vs. darkness and good vs. evil brings me great joy. There is a light inside everyone of us that the world must see and feel. We can all be light-bearers, inspiring hope and peace and bringing pleasure and love to others.”
When originally published in November 2020, millions of viewers worldwide tuned in to watch her performance. Millben described the song as holding profound spiritual and personal significance. “My religion was molded by my childhood in the African American church, where I learned to sing as the daughter of retired preachers. My life as a Christian lady is based on my faith and adoration of God. As a supporter of religious liberty, I value the variety of worship styles found around the globe. ‘Om Jai Jagdish Hare’ is a beautiful Hindu hymn often performed at Diwali and in Indian homes worldwide. I’m still moved by this song, which makes me appreciate Indian culture even more,” she said.
Millben added that she was first encouraged to consider performing the song by her mother, Reverend Althea Millben, back in 2020.
A renowned international performer, Millben was appointed to the White House by former U.S. President George W. Bush and has performed for five successive U.S. presidents and various foreign dignitaries. She has also served as a cultural ambassador for the United States, using music to foster international understanding.
Earlier this year, she performed the U.S. national anthem at the India-U.S. T20 World Cup match in New York. She was also the first American and African American musician selected to perform at India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations in 2022 and performed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Washington, D.C., in 2023.
The 2020 performance of “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” was filmed in Sedona, Arizona, in collaboration with several artists and organizations. Its re-release is expected to inspire viewers with the same sense of light, devotion, and joy that made it memorable five years ago.
