On a Song and a Prayer

For A Song : The Telegraph. Calcutta
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070611/asp/opinion/story_7904125.asp

Nepalis find a new icon in singer cop: CNN-IBN
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/showbiz/06_2007/nepalis-find-a-new-icon-in-singer-cop-42542.html

SMS fiasco sparks mob fury in Hills : Times Of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Kolkata/SMS_fiasco_sparks_mob_fury_in_Hills/articleshow/2112207.cms

TV contestant is new Nepali icon : Gulf Times Qatar/UAE
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=154184&version=1&template_id=44&parent_id=24

Policeman in Indian Idol becomes new Nepali icon: The Penninsula Qatar
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Philippines+%26+South+Asia&month=June2007&file=World_News2007060984732.xml

Riots Over "lost" SMS Votes for Indian TV Show: Cellular News: UK
http://www.cellular-news.com/story/24270.php

Dear All,

The above headlines and links are not for some political candidate but for a contestant on an Indian reality show called Indian Idol.

It's about Prashant Tamang.

A simple boy from the hills who has reached the top ten final of the contest. In the process he has raised the hopes of a population who till now have not seen one of their own succed on such an international platform, albeit stage-managed & cheesy.

Like I mentioned in my previous blog, if the least he can do is inspire others to dream, he will have contributed enough. The north-east states have always felt marginalized in India and Prashant’s success will hopefully give others an opportunity to dream.

Vote for him. Who knows, his success might open a few more doors and a widen a few more minds.

Lift Up Your Hearts. Sursum Corda!

Vishal