VIRTUAL CHOIR FESTIVAL

The Bandung Choral Society from Indonesia organized the 2nd World Virtual Choir Festival from 1st December to 6th December 2020. They extended invitation to different Choir Groups from all over the world to participate even though the world is experiencing Covid19 and countries having to lockdown schools and colleges and obeying the guidelines of their respective countries in safety distancing, wearing of masks and no gathering of groups. Invitation was done through the social media ,Facebook ,Instagram and YouTube. The KC Lights Choir from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya were invited to represent India at the Concert of Nations in Indonesian 75th Independence Day Virtual Choir Festival on 18 August ' 2020 and Choir Groups from 13 countries were selected to be a part of the 75th Indonesian Independence Day at the Friendship Concert of the Nations. It was the greatest sense of pride for the KC Lights Choir to represent India and perform at the Friendship Concert . The KC Lights Choir are young boys and girls from Kiddies Corner Higher Secondary School, Shillong, Meghalaya represented India as proud Indians to create a strong bonding with the youth of Indonesia and to inspire other young students to bring laurels to India and their music to become the medium to build friendship with the youth of Indonesia . This time, the older children were preparing for their exams and so the Principal of the School ,Brain Wallang did not want to lose out this opportunity and took it as a challenge during this pandemic and lockdown and formed a Choir with the little ones from the school to enter at the 2nd World Virtual Choir Festival, 2020 . Brain Wallang decided to form another Choir group of the seniors and past pupils for the Pop & Jazz category and decided to be called KC LIGHTS - the Family. There are 32 members of them in this choir and took this challenge to make India proud. It had been very difcult to get the children to practice live, but they had done a good job. The Bandung Choral Society decided to have the 2nd World Virtual Choir Festival 2020 and arranged the Opening Ceremony, Closing & Awarding Ceremony on Zoom. The participants were asked to send only one representative to attend the Opening Ceremony, and Closing & Awarding on Zoom. The Opening Ceremony, Closing & Awarding Ceremony was shown on LIVE STREAMING on YouTube Tommyanto Kandisaputra and Facebook account Tommy Kandisaputra. There were some strict protocols for the Workshops that only one representative from each participant country to attend the workshops and to meet the Jury. They introduced two special awards for “MOST VIEWED VIDEO” on YouTube for Solo Singing Competition and Choir Competition. The KC LIGHTS Choir group was formed of 20 members and the age ranging from 6 to 13 years old and from Class 1 to Class 7. The Lead singers for the song, 'You Say' chosen for the Competition were Gabriella War, Medadajied Kharbithai and Aimeiaka Dkhar.

KC LIGHTS- the Family Choir group comprising of 32 members of both seniors of the school and past pupils. Registration was carried out together with the full details of the choir, the categories they were to participate, the songs selected for the competition, the rights to sing the song, the scores, biography of the choirs, photographs of the choirs and the name of the Conductor.

Due to the pandemic and the lockdown, the process carried out by Brian was his own innovation to select the song for the Children's Category and that was sent to the children along with the lyrics so that they could practice the song at home. They were also sent the videos of vocal exercises as most of them were new recruits. These videos were made by the present members of the choir. The children were asked to do these exercises daily. After a week or so of practicing at home , they were asked to send the videos of them singing the song. After listening to their voices, the children were divided into the various harmonies to be singing as Soprano1, Soprano 2 and Alto. These children in smaller groups were made to be with Brian at his home to teach them their respective parts. For this he got the help of the pianist and Music Teacher, Ms Elsa Dkhar. They met for two days and by then they had learnt their parts. He recorded them and then sent it to the others to learn. Finally, three days before the recording, the children were called at the school for practice sessions of 2 hours and to adhere to follow all protocols. Once it was nalized ,the children were sent in batches to the studio to do the nal recording. The recording was done at Bah Bari Khonglah's studio and was completed in two days to do the complete song. It was not a very easy process and the rst time for the children to experience what all parameters and pains taken to carry out a proper professional recording. The children had to carry out the rehearsals over and over again to get the notes right till it was perfect. At the end it was a wonderful learning experience. The next step was to make the video and was done in school by the students , Kynsai and Emi, two of the past pupils. They took shot of each child, one at a time. This too was a fun experience for the children. Once this was done, Kynsai and his brother, Frankensince, did the nal editing. Once it was ready it was sent to the organizers -Bandung Choral Society. The same process was followed by the KC Lights-The Family Choir Group for the learning of the song. Once they learnt their parts, were called to school for practice. They were put into smaller groups for harmonies and once they were ready of their parts, they sang the song together. This rehearsal continued for two days till all was good. The recording for the seniors, a small make- shift studio was set up in school where John Rymbai, a past pupil who is in class 11, took charge and recorded the members one or two at a time. It took them two days to complete the recording. On the 3rd day the video was prepared by Emi and Kynsai . Once the shooting was over, Emi took charge of the editing and putting the whole video together, it was sent to the Bandung Choral Society. The scores were to be sent much earlier as the Judges needed them to do their job. There were 5 judges from South Korea, Italy, Philippines and Indonesia The journey experienced by all the Choir members during the last three days before the competition were the most special three days in the lives of each member .Due to lockdown, the children hadn't met up in eight months and to see the smiles on their faces when they saw their classmates was just beautiful experience. The whole process brought them all together like one big family. The fun, the laughter, the sharing was just so special. The children especially were nally able to be children once again! Both the choirs wanted to win to make India proud. The bonding was amazing and was a lot of fun . Many of the children came out of their slumber and became more condent. Many of these children never realized their talents and they did try singing solo and did such an amazing job. It was these three beautiful three days of learning, sharing, fun and happiness. The Children’s Choir- KC LIGHTS performed on the 2nd and KC LIGHTS - the Family on the 4th day of the competition . The Closing Ceremony was on the 6th December 2020. It was a LIVE show on YouTube. The rst set of awards were the Special Awards and the KC LIGHTS- the Family received the award for the 'Most Inspiring Choir' . Then the competition results were declared and the KC Lights Children’s Choir won the Gold Medal for India with the highest score . These children made India proud spreading joy to their parents for their support and encouraging them to remain positive during this lockdown making not only the state of Meghalaya proud but India at large and complimentary messages pouring in from all across the country .

The results of the Pop and Jazz Category, which the KC LIGHTS- the Family, had participated and an ecstatic moment for all choir members when the Announcer declared KC Lights –The Family to win the Gold Medal for India . Congratulatory messages poured in from all across the country.

The success of the KC Lights Choir winning Gold Medal for India depended on the musicians who accompanied .For the song “ You Say” credit goes out to Miss Elsa Dkhar. For the KC Lights - the Family for the song “Africa” credit goes out to Elza Rymbai on the Keyboards, Vincent Tariang on the Drums, John Rymbai on the Bass/ percussions and Kynsai Kupar Manners on the Guitar. It is Singing Together that Unite Nations Together !

IN MEMORIAM DR. SHIVINDER SINGH SIDHU FORMER GOVERNOR OF MEGHALAYA ,MANIPUR THE NORTH EAST STATES OF INDIA ALSO FORMER GOVERNOR OF GOA & FORMER CHAIRMAN OF AIR INDIA & INDIAN AIRLINES FORMER SECRETARY GENERAL OF INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION (ICAO) FOUNDER PRESIDENT, FOUNDATION FOR AVIATION SUSTAINABLE TOURISM (FAST)

Dr. Shivinder Singh Sidhu was born on 13 October 1929 and was an Indian political gure. Dr. Sidhu held a number of senior posts and represented the Government of India at numerous bilateral and inter-governmental negotiations in various elds. He was also the Chief Delegate of the Indian delegation to a number of international conferences and was elected President of the Twenty-sixth Session of the ICAO Assembly in 1986. While he was Director of India's Civil Aviation Administration from February 1985 to October 1987, he also served as Chairman of Air India and Indian Airlines and as Secretary to the Government in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He holds advanced degrees in Economics and Public Administration and a Doctorate of Philosophy. On receiving news of his passing away on 25 October 2018, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Montreal, Canada unanimously decided and ordered the ying of the UN ICAO ag at half mast over it HQ building in Montreal as well as at all its global regional ofces as a mark of respect to the memory of Dr. Sidhu - a rst in its history.

Dr. S.S.Sidhu As Governor of Manipur Inspecting The Guard Of Honour At Imphal Airport ,Manipur.

Dr. S.S. Sidhu has been closely associated with the Civil Aviation sector for over two decades both at the national and international levels. He has rendered outstanding contribution to the development of international civil aviation as Secretary General. ICAO and later as Founder-President, Foundation for Aviation and Sustainable Tourism (FAST) for over 12 years. In August, 2004 Dr. Sidhu was appointed to the prestigious position as the Governor of Manipur State (in India). He continued to be Governor of Manipur for four years with concurrent responsibility as Governor of Meghalaya, another State in North East India for eight months. Since 21st July, 2008, he has been Governor of Goa State in India. Despite this, he continued to take an active interest in the growth and development of civil aviation, being President Emeritus of FAST.

DR. S.S.Sidhu As Governor Of Manipur Is Being Received At Imphal Airport, Capital of Manipur. In honour of Dr.S.S. Sidhu, the former Governor of Manipur, as a mark of respect ,the Orchids of Manipur known as “Urei” is named as Aeridovanda Shiv Sidhu. This is the Orchid registered with the London Orchids Society.

Dr. S.S.Sidhu As Governor of Meghalaya At Raj Bhawan,Shillong

Dr. Sidhu hails from the village Bhai ka Kera known as the abode of the Bhai, in District Muktsar, Malwa region of Punjab state. His father's name was Bhai Inder Singh. The Bhai title was bestowed on his forefathers by the Sikh Guru . Dr. Sidhu and his three brothers never used this title. This was the original Bhai family of Punjab. His school education included the DAV school in District Ferozepur prior to the partition of India, the Foreman Christian College, Lahore, now in Pakistan. He completed his B.A (Honours) Economics from the prestigious St. Stephen's College, Delhi University. He completed his Master's degree from the Delhi School of Economics. He stood 4th & 3rd in Delhi University in B. A. & M. A. respectively. He was the Captain of the St. Stephen's hockey team & was a university blues in that sport. Dr. Sidhu was the very rst Indian to do a post graduate degree in Public Administration at the École National de DR. S.S.Sidhu As Governor of Goa At The Raj Bhawan the aforesaid period, he was instrumental in the Administration in Paris, France. In addition to English & Hindi, he was conversant in Urdu, Persian & French. This was a unique honour for the country as no Indian had ever presided over the Triennial General Assembly of ICAO. till then. As Secretary General of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during 1988-1991,Dr. Sidhu made outstanding and path-breaking contribution in the all round growth of international civil aviation. To cite a few examples are his sustained and active support to the work of Future Air Navigation (FAN) Committee ensured a time-bound and concrete recommendations of the committee for the introduction of communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) system based on satellite technology. The subsequent growth of international civil aviation has been possible, in no small measure, due to the introduction of his technology. Dr. Sidhu spearheaded the establishment of a well-structured Mechanism for material, technical and nancial support to Member countries of ICAO in tackling unlawful interference to civil aviation security, in the wake of Lokerbi Air Tragedy in early 1989. The framework for this unique mechanism was implemented in record time, which was greatly appreciated by the Council Members and General Assembly of ICAO.He left a positive impact in streamlining the work of the Bureau of Regional Ofces of the Organization.

Apart from his rich contribution to the civil aviation sector in Development Cooperation, ICAO and in activating the

establishment of three important institutions i.e. (i) Pawan Hans ,a public sector — Helicopter Corporation of India; (ii) Indira Gandhi Flying Academy for Training of Pilots to serve as feedstock for the airlines of India; and (iii) National Airports Authority of India for expeditious development of airports in the country. He received all round appreciation for efcient handling of a crisis situation arising from the crash of Air India aircraft "Kanishka" off Irish Coast in June 1985. This was the worst disaster in the aviation history of India. While leading his country's delegation to the 26th Triennial General Assembly, ICAO in 1986, he was unanimously elected as President of the General Assembly that year. After the expiry of his term as Secretary General, ICAO in 1991, Dr. Sidhu worked as President of Foundation for Aviation and Sustainable Tourism (FAST) till 3' August, 2004. This is an autonomous, non-government and not for prot research organization, in the eld of civil aviation and tourism. It is international in character, membership and in the spread of its activities. FAST also acts as a bridge in North-South cooperation in the eld of aviation and tourism. The unique feature of the foundation is that it covers three key sectors of the economy i.e. civil aviation, tourism and environment. Eminent representatives and experts from 14 countries across the globe are members of its Council. Under Dr. Sidhu's leadership, the Foundation acquired an international standing over the years. He demitted his ofce as President, FAST after being sworn as the Governor of Manipur State on Au sut upon him the rare honour, 6, 2004. The Governing body in the Board of Trustees of FAST bestowed designating him as "President Emeritus of FAST for life" . In that capacity, he continues to contribute towards the growth and development of international civil aviation.

The Foundation has developed close working relationship with the related international agencies, viz. ICAO, WTO, WTTC, IATA, and PATA. It has organized seven International Conferences, which have been extremely successful in terms of participation, deliberation and the outcome. As a part of it's ongoing activities, on 16th and 17th September, 2009, organized an International Air Transport Symposium on "India-Asia Civil Aviation Cooperation" together with ICAO, IATA, ACI, CANSO, FAA, EC. Delegates from 24 countries participated in the symposium. The keynote address at the symposium was read by President ICAO. The Foundation is uniquely positioned to offer independent and objective management advice and to undertake studies/projects in all aspects of civil aviation and tourism. It has successfully carried out various studies and has brought forth useful reports, reference books and well analyzed research monographs on issues of topical interest for the benet of policy makers and the aviation industry.

Among the various books authored by Dr. Sidhu, the following deserve special mention• Aviation & Sustainable Tourism — Emerging Trends. • New Horizons in Travel & Tourism — Asian Approach. • Flight into the Millennium — Aviation & Tourism Symbiosis. • Tourism & Aviation — Airborne for Progress. • Aviation and Tourism Synergy for Success.

At the request of the Secretary General, Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr. Sidhu did a special assignment from June to August 1994 relating to evaluation of Commonwealth Fund for Technical development in the eld of civil aviation for its Member — States in Islands in South Pacic Ocean. Dr. Sidhu has been bestowed special honours for his work in the eld of international civil aviation. The Government of Peru (Latin America) bestowed upon him the highest honour — Grand Cruz des Services Distingue (Grand Cross of Distinguished Services) by the Foreign Minister of Peru at a formal ceremony at Lima in 1989. On expiry of his term at ICAO, the Government of United States of America presented him a handcrafted ag of USA with a certicate to the effect that the ag presented was own over the Capitol of the United States especially for presentation to Dr. S.S. Sidhu for his meritorious services in international Civil Aviation. The presentation was formally made by Mr. In the ceremonial lounge of the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Montreal, Canada. ICAO is one of the few independent UN organizations not reporting to the UN Secretary General where he was the elected Secretary General (CEO). Only the 3rd Indian since 1947 to be so elected, the other previous (1949 & 1972) being BR Sain at FAO, Italy & CP Srivastava at International Maritime Organization, London. Dr. Sidhu was elected in 1989. He defeated an incumbent French Secretary General who was being supported by the then G6. After him and to this date, no other Indian has been elected to the top job in either the UN or in any independent UN Organization. Dr. Sidhu's portrait is seen in the ceremonial lounge of ICAO. Hollywood Weekly Magazine is honoured to pay special tribute to Dr.S.S.Sidhu for his outstanding contribution to the Aviation Sector not only in India but also in the International Civil Aviation. He had an illustrious career with impeccable conduct as a leader and a true son of India. Special thanks to Mr. Raman Sidhu, CEO, European Federation in India for sharing the photographs who also is the son of Dr.S.S.Sidhu . A special ofcial tribute to Dr.S.S.Sidhu will be organized and will take place at New Delhi in the month of March 2021 . Ms. Rosy Ahluwalia , Fashion Designer and Founder ,Dikha Khadi, who has been a pioneer to promote Khadi worldwide, will also join in to pay tribute to Dr.Sidhu . The Chief Guest will be Hon’ble Mr.Hardeep Puri, The Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation & also Minister of Urban Development ,Government of India to bestow the special honours to Dr S.S. Sidhu to promote the Aviation Sector and an inspiration to every Indian.

Shahnaz Husain received “World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur” Award from Success, the U.S based business magazine, becoming the first woman in 104 years to receive the prestigious Award.

SHAHNAZ HUSAIN, FOUNDER SHAHNAZ HUSAIN GROUP

Shahnaz Husain extends her best wishes to the readers of Hollywood Weekly Magazine for the New Year, wishing them all good health, happiness, and peace. Please do look out for the March 2021 issue, which will celebrate International Woman's Day and also feature Shahnaz Husain on the Cover. As the pioneer of the Ayurvedic Beauty Movement and as one of India's leading woman entrepreneurs, she has received unprecedented international acclaim. She became a Harvard Case Study for Brand Creation and now she is a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets,” in recognition of the international market for Ayurveda.” It is the sole purpose of my existence to treat clients worldwide, including Hollywood. I am curing a client in California for Alopecia and in London for pigmentation with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Whatsapp with great success,” says Shahnaz. She further adds, “ From the days of Ayurvedic Inheritance to the present times of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we have come a long way. When I started my first herbal salon, more than four decades ago, I followed the principle of customized SHAHNAZ HUSAIN beauty care, at the client card level. The client was made to fill a card with basic details, the details of allergies, past history, past treatments, and current treatments. Now with “ Shahnaz Husain is a name to reckon with. computer programming, it is possible to databases, with many more details, like create larger geographical To her exclusively goes the credit of region, ethnic characteristics, etc.” bringing the therapeutic values of herbs out Both Ayurveda Shahnaz Husai and Women Empowerment are close to n's heart. According to her, “Woman of the mists of antiquity and legend, and combining them with scientific research empowerment means financial independence and selfreliance for women because it opens the door to career opportunities, including entrepreneurship.” From one and practice. Shahnaz Husain much for India’s image a has done so broad that small herbal salon to a global network of ventures, it has been a phenomenal journey for Shahnaz Husain, which inspires women to achieve their dreams with faith and she truly deserves the Beauty Ambassador.” sobriquet of India’s courage. She adds, “It is a dream worldwide recognition of come true Ayurveda. for me to I strongly see the believe that Ayurveda will lead the international cosmetic -Washington Post, USA industry within the next decade. It has been tested by the most exacting test of all…..the Test of Time!”