There are those who protest and then there is Sidhanath Buyao.
The music composer and singer has always
found unique ways of getting his message across and it is his choice of medium
to lodge his protest that sets him apart. Throughout history, whenever there
have been struggles against the powers that be, whenever it appears that it
will take much more from those opposing to have any success, there are anthems
that help boost and lift up the spirit of those protesting.
You can see it at protest marches, where everyone chants the
anthem or it is used to pierce through the pseudo intellectual rhetoric defence
of the authorities, who try to brush aside the demands of the protesters.
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Sidhanath Buyao is no stranger to coming up with songs, anthems
and chants at such protests and, in the past, has done many songs on social and
political issues. Be it the anti Mopa airport campaign or the anti SEZ
movement, Buyao has added rhythm to these hard fought struggles. He even
recently sang at the carol singing activity held in Panjim that brought
together people from various communities as a mark of protest against the
attempts to divide society on religious grounds.
His lyrics can put a smile on anyone’s face as his clever use of
words go beyond the usual exchange of words between the protesters and the authorities.
In this case, it is the Mhadei water dispute with Karnataka that
has got a majority of the state up in arms. Buyao has come out with a Konkani
song and video called ‘Avai Amchi Mhadai’ that has already started making the
rounds on social media platforms.
“The message given in song is about protection of Mhadei and
spreading awareness about it. It is a wake up call to Goenkars,” says Buyao.
Speaking about the video to said song that can be watched on
YouTube, he says, “We are very grateful for the tremendous response we have
received so far. I’d like to thank Sanjay Borkar, who penned this song after
our discussion over the issue, and Sudeep Dalvi, who immediately made
arrangements after I called him to shoot the video with the canoe, Bismarque
the Unsinkable. My nephew, Vrushab Sansguiri, who is a cinematographer, shot
this for me.”
They started shooting for the video at St Estevam at 6 am and
Buyao says that he was overwhelmed with the beautiful side of Goa. “It is
paradise. The flowing river and birds. I was also lucky to see the migratory
birds flying over early morning. Mhadei adds beauty to Goa’s nature. Everyone
knows this. Then how can one think of diverting it,” he questions.
On that note, Buyao along with the group Musical Warriors
recently had a musical show in Panjim on the Mhadei issue, where this song was
performed along with others. He has plans to continue this campaign along with
all those who are protesting.
“The Mhadei issue has been going on for long and now it’s before
the tribunal. But suddenly our Chief Minister has made some unwanted
statements. I could understand political intentions, hence decided to foster
the movement against diversion. Music played a vital role during the Opinion
Poll and this time too, the music fraternity is donning the same role. We
Musical Warriors will perform to spread awareness,” he asserts.
When
it comes to the historic Opinion Poll, there is another project that is close
to his heart – documenting the songs that were performed during that struggle,
sung by his late father, Goemshahir Ulhas Buyao and penned by Shankar Bhandari,
Dr Manohar Rai Sardesai and many more. “This will also consist of unheard songs
of Ulhas Buyao,” adds the proud son, who has also produced patriotic songs in Konkani
and Marathi on the occasion of 50 years of Goa’s liberation.
