It was a landmark moment for India when the Rezangla Anthem was launched at the Rezangla War Memorial and marked the closing of the Ladakh International Music Festival that began on the 30th of April 2022. 

With the objective to pay a special tribute to the brave heart war veterans of the Indian Army at Rezang La (18,045 ft), the Rezang La anthem was officially launched on the 4th of May at the war memorial. 

Conceptualised by Sushil Chaudhary and composed by renowned music composer Joi Barua and his band, the Rezangla Anthem was sung by Joi Barua. The Anthem is a heartfelt tribute signifying the courage of Major Shaitan Singh and his men, who were equipped for the fight with little more than their indomitable spirit. The Anthem was launched by Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Anindya Sengupta (Ati Vishishta Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Corps Commander, 14 Corps).

The anthem was shot in metaverse / VR format for the Rezang La memorial.

Corps Commander Lt. Gen. A Sengupta, Major Gen Akash Kaushik, Chief of Staff, Fire & Fury Corps, Major General.Abhinay Rai, General Officer Commanding , Uniform Force  and Bollywood actor Darshan Kumaar and other dignitaries graced the event. The anthem will also soon be tele cast abroad on a few leading channels.   

Addressing the crowd, Lt. Gen. A Sengupta says “On behalf of Uniform force, 114 Brigade, 22 JAK RIF, the other units here, the brave jawans of the Fire and Fury Corps, JCO, respected officers and on behalf of the officers in and around Chusul and all those present here with us … I congratulate Joi Barua and his band for performing such a revered song on this precious land, based on the 60 year old war. This song is an honest composition that comes out straight from the heart. We dedicate this entire festival to the 114 bravehearts who gave their lives 60 years ago. In their memory we conducted a program November last year as well, at the memorial which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Defence Minister”. 

He added, “Today, 6 months later, here we are yet again on this sacred land, this time launching the anthem dedicated to the soldiers of the 1962 war who sacrificed their lives to protect the borders of country. We are immensely proud and happy that even today we are protecting this region with the same spirit of bravery and vigour like our ancestors did. And I am very hopeful that this anthem composed by Joi Barua and his band will add to this zealous spirit. To perform and sing at such a high altitude, above 15,000 Ft is not an easy task. Something like this has happened for the very first time in such a region. And I have to thank Picturetime, Sky2ocean and the whole team who made the entire Festival (Ladakh International Music Festival) held in Leh and Re zangla a huge success. I have full faith that through such entertainment events and programmes, the story of our brave hearts will travel all the more and reach people’s hearts”.

On coming up with the idea of having an Anthem for Rezang La, Sushil Chaudhary  Founder & CEO, Picturetime), Organiser & Executioner, Ladakh International Music Festival and the brainchild behind the Re Zangla Anthem said. “I have been working and coming to Rezangla for quiet sometime now and I always felt that the  story of Re Zangla  needs to be told again and people need to know this incredible tale of valour. When I met Joi Barua at a film festival at Arunachal recently, we discussed the possibility of doing the concert as a significant segment of the Ladakh International Music Festival. At the same time the Indian Army was planning a music concert in Leh as well.. we proposed to them if we could compose and perform an anthem at Rezangla. In no time we went into action made and in less than 30 days, the entire festival came to life”.

“Yesterday, we achieved the unthinkable.. Having a full fledged live concert for the Rezangla anthem at Rezangla war memorial. The feeling can’t be described in words. It is one of most fulfilling moments .Our entire team  and the Indian Army worked with lot of sincerity and put in  honest energy, and I think this is the reason we succeeded and sincerely hope that our jawans felt the same”  says Chaudhary.

The first Ladakh International Music Festival turned out to be a massive success bringing together Indian Army, rock bands such as Indian Ocean, Parashara, Tetseo Sisters from Nagaland, DJ Ali Burrni, DJ Anna Radko and local music talent. Bollywood actors Richa Chadha and Darshan Kumaar were also the special guests during the festival held at Sonam Wangchuk Stadium, Leh.