other and spend time with Bollywood icon Hemaa Sardesai.
By Katherine Manuel
Students from Don Bosco High School, Panaji, embarked on a cultural exchange to the Lakshadweep Islands, led by Bollywood singer Hemaa Sardesai. The trip, organised by FLY91 and Lakshadweep Tourism, included musical performances, interactive sessions and a bonding experience with fellow students from a local Lakshadweep school, bridging communities through music.
As the FLY91 flight IC 5904 from the Manohar International Airport (MIA) at Mopa to Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands, cruised above the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea, the students, who were between the age group of 11 to 15 years, peered out the windows in awe.
Agatti Island gleamed like an emerald amid the sprawling Arabian Sea as Goan students embarked on a special journey to Lakshadweep for a musical jam with Bollywood singer Hemaa Sardesai, part of a collaboration between Lakshadweep Tourism and Goa-based FLY91 to promote cultural exchange between students from Goa and the Island chain.
After the excited group stepped off the plane, Sardesai greeted the students from Goa with her trademark warmth, ready to set the tone for the musical jam that promised both entertainment and inspiration.
For many of the students, the thrill of travelling between the islands of Agatti and Bangaram by sea was a first. Don Bosco High School boys practised their songs on the boat, guided by their choirmaster and were soon joined by their 10 to 12 year old counterparts from the Lakshadweep’s Government Basic School.
Bangaram Island was welcoming with its own natural charm: dense palm trees, soft sand, and a horizon painted with hues of blue and green. The island’s isolation provided the students and accompanying teachers an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the pristine surroundings.
At the Bangaram Resort, the students were treated to warm hospitality and fresh, cool coconut water before they began their preparations for the much-anticipated cultural exchange with the local school children. Sardesai took time to speak with the students, offering an interactive session and tips on singing and stage performance that quickly became a highlight of the trip. The island and the Bangaram Resort located on it, gained popularity after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high profile visit earlier this year.
David D’Souza, a Class 10 student from Don Bosco, was particularly moved by Sardesai’s words. “Ma’am Hemaa talked about confidence—about being yourself without fear. That’s something I’ll carry with me long after this trip.
” As evening fell, the students from Lakshadweep performed traditional songs, sharing their island’s rich heritage with raw, spirited voices. Goan students followed with pop hits and their folk tradition, the Mando. The exchange wasn’t just about comparing musical notes. It highlighted the unique yet connected identities of two coastal communities through their shared love of music.
When Hemaa took to the stage, the singer, known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances, belted out crowd favourites, including the iconic ‘Badal Pe Paon Hain’ from Chak De! India. The children, thrilled to witness a Bollywood star up close, sang along and danced, their laughter echoing against the backdrop of the sea. But beyond the music, there was a deeper connection.
For the students, this was more than just an entertaining concert; it was a lesson in the limitless possibilities that lay ahead if they dared to chase them. Sardesai’s interaction with the students from Goa and Lakshadweep focussed on the need to understand each other’s cultures, while also sharing tips on singing.
“FLY91’s commitment resonates with my own values and passion. FLY91 has brought me to Lakshadweep where I feel the presence of God in this serenity. The innocence and love of the local residents reflects through their eyes. There is a purity that you see here in the Lakshadweep islands,” Sardesai said, extolling the island chain’s beauty and serenity.
As the evening wound down, certificates were handed out to the participating students, who were also left with the real prize, the transformative experience that transcended the boundaries of geography and culture that they had just experienced.
“We were excited to give young talent from Goa and Lakshadweep the chance to be inspired by an incredible artist like Hemaa Sardesai. This initiative was about helping their dreams take flight, while giving back to the community. We’re confident the children will gain immensely from Sardesai’s mentorship,” said Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO FLY91.
Hyder Ali, Headmaster of the local Government Basic School, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “For our children, this was an unforgettable experience. They don’t often get to meet someone like Hemaa Sardesai and this cultural exchange has broadened their horizons in ways we couldn’t have imagined.”
The next day brought time for exploration, with the boys from Goa spending a few peaceful hours soaking in the beauty of the island, before a return boat ride to Agatti airport passed quickly, with the group even spotting dolphins along the way.
For the students of Don Bosco High School, the trip was a whirlwind of music, new
friendships, and the beauty of the Lakshadweep islands. Sardesai’s words and songs
stayed with them as they boarded the flight home, looking out over the cotton-candy
clouds as the sun set on their island adventure.
