Mary Millben - Om Jai Jagdish Hare - Diwali 2020

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NEW YORK – American Actress/Singer, Helen Hayes Award Nominee, and recording artist Mary Millben shares a moving virtual performance for Diwali 2020.

“India, the people of India, and the Indian-American community are very special to me. What a blessing to perform virtually for Diwali 2020 - an annual, Indian festival of lights where India, Indian Americans, and people from all over the world gather this year virtually to celebrate new harvest, gratefulness for prosperity, and celebrate light over darkness through the beauty of lamps.” said Millben.

Music by Canadian Screen Award and Grammy nominated composer Daryl Bennett, Mary shares a spiritual and original arrangement of ‘Om Jai Jagdish Hare’ with a diverse creative team - Hollywood and Sony Pictures producer Tim Davis, Emmy/Grammy nominated engineer/mixer Jorge Vivo, Executive Directors John Schaus and Trent Massey of Arizona-based production company Ambient Skies, and BridalbyDeena owner Deena Mali. Mary thanks The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona and the City of Sedona for their partnership in this virtual performance.

“As a daughter of retired ministers, my singing roots originated in the church and this upbringing shaped my faith. As a woman of faith, I value the diverse ways many worship across the world. ‘Om Jai Jagdish Hare,’ a beautiful Hindi hymn commonly sung during Diwali and in Indian households across the world, is a song of worship and celebration. This hymn continues to move me, touch my spirit, and stir my passion for Indian culture. My mother Reverend Althea Millben was the first one to encourage me to consider recording and performing this song. During these times, we all need spiritual reinforcements that unify our souls.” said Millben.

Mary has become a new and beloved voice in India following her moving performance of India’s National Anthem for the 74th Anniversary of India Independence Day on August 15th, 2020. This performance received global acclaim and has now been viewed by millions. Praise poured in for Mary’s performance – from the Government of India to Indian communities worldwide.

“My relationship with the Indian culture and love for India has grown through my learning and study of Hindi. Thanks to my beloved Hindi coach, Embassy of India First Cultural Diplomat and Teacher of Indian Culture Dr. Moxraj, I have been immersed into the culture, cinema, and music of India. These last several months learning ‘Om Jai Jagdish Hare,’ have been a true blessing to my life.” Millben said.

Mary was also the opening, featured virtual entertainment performing India’s National Anthem for the 2020 Nudge Foundation Forum (global edition) presented in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation and The Skoll Foundation. The inaugural forum was a 24-hour non-stop global platform featuring world leaders and stakeholders coming together for India’s development and in celebration of India Independence Day.

October 2020, Mary was the featured entertainment for the 2020 Indiaspora Philanthropy Summit which convened top philanthropists and leaders from India and the United States to break new ground in strategic thinking towards global philanthropic engagement. A two-part summit streamed live in India, the United States, and across the world, Mary performed a moving rendition of “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” a message of global peace and harmony. Mary shared the virtual stage with Indian music producer and Grammy Award winning composer Ricky Kej in addition to keynote addresses from global philanthropists Romesh Wadhwani, Founder of the Wadhwani Foundation, and Vidya Shah, Chairperson and CEO of EdelGive Foundation.

“Impact through philanthropic partnerships is a new personal priority. India’s migrant workers, the backbone of India, have faced tremendous challenges during COVID19 and their struggle has consumed my attention. I look forward to partnering with my friend and Indiaspora Founder M.R. Rangaswami and the Indiaspora network to help uplift those in need in the Indian diaspora, and give greater awareness here in America to the conditions of India’s migrant workers.

As an independent artist, Mary has become one of the world’s new celebrated voices having performed for three consecutive U.S. Presidents (President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, and President Donald Trump), international royalty, and world leaders.

Furthermore, Mary has been featured at The White House, the United States Congress, for the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), 2016 RIO Olympics, and in concert halls worldwide.

Mary was named to Ideagen’s 2020 Power 10 List - 10 Global Leaders Empowering Women & Girls alongside Oscar/Emmy/Tony Award Winning Actress Viola Davis, Melinda Gates – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Co-Chair, Kate Johnson – Microsoft US President, Adena Friedman - CEO of Nasdaq, and more.