MUMBAI: In a bid to raise awareness about the irreversible perils of climate change, Oscar and Grammy-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman has joined hands with some of the world’s most notable musicians, visionaries and philanthropists for a global project titled, ‘Hands Around The World.’ The fundraising and technology initiative will be officially launched on April 22nd, which marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

Rahman has teamed up with a variety of musicians and artists for this year-long project, which includes a new anthemic song featuring pop stars Natasha Bedingfield, Cody Simpson, soul musician MAJOR, opera icon Jonathan Cilia Faro, gospel singer Erica Atkins-Campbell of Mary Mary, and many more. Alan Parsons and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra along with NASA and astronauts from the International Space Station have also lent their support with their inspiring One Note Symphony composition. An album of powerful songs representing music from different genres is also in the making.

Says A.R. Rahman, “I am hopeful that our combination of using music and technology on this project will have this message resonate with the masses. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with so many incredible musicians from around the world."

The campaign is championed by the legendary Ken Kragen who created the historic 1985 global collaboration “We Are the World” and “Hands Across America” and is the recipient of the prestigious United National Peace Medal. He has combined forces with Neil Morgan, an immersive entertainment entrepreneur who is the brains behind a unique app that will use hologram and augmented reality technology to link one billion people holding hands around the world in a virtual reality selfie-chain for the benefit of climate change. As part of this Earth Day 2020 initiative, Rahman will officially introduce the project via Instagram Live on April 22nd.

Says Ken Kragen, “Just as ‘We are the World’ and ‘Hands Across America’ called attention and raised funds to fight hunger and homelessness, this new project will be a game changer for the environmental issues that threaten every living thing on this planet. I’ve always said, it is easier to accomplish the impossible than the ordinary.”

Comments Neil Morgan: “As an Australian, I have recently seen the devastating impacts of ravaging fires firsthand. We intend to use cutting-edge technology to unite people in a positive and fun way to connect people like never before and give our planet a giant hug”

With the world under Covid-19 pandemic siege, this Earth Day project aims to put the spotlight on the need for people to stand by each other. ‘Hands Around the World’ is officially endorsed by the legendary record producer Quincy Jones and the primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, with support from top climate change scientists, NASA’s Thorsten Markus and leading climate specialist Professor Todd Crowley

Says Todd Crowley: “In this time of “social distancing” it’s important to remember the things that connect us all. On Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, let us remember the Earth that we all share. Let’s turn off the news for a minute and take a look at some good things that have emerged from this unprecedented and difficult situation: less air and car travel means lowering our carbon footprints, more time at home means connecting to nature with backyard activities like gardening, and less urban commotion means a reignited natural world.”

Rahman’s music team for ‘Hands Around the World’ includes producer Kevin Doucette (an AI music creator whose anthem will be used for the Tokyo Olympics), award-winning Polish composer Julia Zuzanna Sokolowska, and renowned K-pop songwriter Daniel Caesar. The song lyrics have been written by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, Wicked) and the Hands team and had its first recording session at film and television composer Nathan Barr’s Bandrika Studios in Los Angeles in February.