Ardent wildlife enthusiast, conservationist, Rajya Sabha MP and Director-Corporate Affairs at Reliance Industries Ltd, Shri Parimal Nathwani released a unique audio video folk song titled, ‘Gir Gajavti Aavi Sinhan’, dedicated to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on the occasion of World Lion Day 2024.
The song has been written and composed in a traditional folk style and it talks about the majestic lioness in Gir, her characteristics and her aura. The song resonates with the folk essence of Gir in Saurashtra, encompassing phrases and expressions that highlight the cultural heritage of the region. It opens with a Doha (a two-liner folklore) and concludes with a Charchari (a four-line verse typically sung in a fast rhythm).
Aditya Gadhvi has lent his distinctive voice to the masterpiece, Kedar and Bhargav have skillfully incorporated a blend of tradition and fusion in the music and the lyrics are crafted by the young and renowned lyricist Parth Tarpara.
“Gir Gajavti Aavi Sinhan is not just a song, it is a tribute to the majestic lioness of Gir and a celebration of our rich cultural legacy. While there have been many songs written on the royal Asiatic lion, perhaps there has never been a folk audio video song on the majestic lioness of Gir. It gives me great honour to dedicate this song to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his relentless efforts for lion conservation in Gir, the only abode of Asiatic Lions. India witnessed a historic rise in the population of Asiatic lions, growing from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2021,” said Shri Nathwani.
Shri Nathwani has also authored two exquisite coffee table books on lions and shared a variety of videos and pictures on Gir. His recently launched book, ‘Call of the Gir,’ was presented to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his visionary role in Project Lion and includes a message from the Prime Minister. In 2017, he authored ‘Gir Lion: Pride of Gujarat,’ which features dazzling photography of Gir lions and emphasizes the imperative need for their conservation. The enchanting lion song further reiterates his profound passion and dedication to Gir and the Asiatic Lions.