Mumbai : St.
Andrew’s Auditorium came alive with the spirit of patriotism and community building
as the Ekam Satt Foundation celebrated its sixth anniversary. Spearheaded by
popular celebrity singer Ameya Dabli, the evening titled “Stories That Inspire”
showcased the transformative power of music and the Foundation’s unwavering
commitment to nation-building and mental wellness through reverberating tunes
of music therapy!
The evening was graced by Chief
of Defence Staff (CDS India) General Anil Chauhan, alongside luminaries
like flute maestro and Grammy Award winner Pt. Rakesh Chaurasia, industrialist
Ajay Piramal, Chairman of Piramal Group, Hiten Parekh, Managing Director of
Nilkamal Plastics, Rajiv Agarwal, CEO Essar Ports, Brijmohan Soni, Director
Head of Finance of Jeffries India Pvt Ltd, Sameer Agarwal, Director of
Spectrochem Pvt Ltd, Kavita Khanna, wife of late actor Vinod Khanna.
The audience included NCC cadets, defense officials and leaders from various
walks of life. The audience represented a confluence of diverse personalities
from corporates, industrialists, defence officials, serving soldiers, NCC
cadets, philanthropists, cultural ambassadors, CSR heads, music aficionados and
civil society from various walks of life.
Ameya Dabli, Mentor, Ekam Satt
Foundation, reflected on the remarkable journey of the foundation since its
inception in 2019. “This event is not just a celebration of six years
but a reaffirmation of our mission—to heal, inspire, and unite people through
music. Ekam Satt Foundation is honoured to
collaborate with Chief of Defense Staff (CDS India), General Anil Chauhan and
the Indian Tri - Services Chiefs to transform patriotism into a nationwide
movement. Through the ‘Har Kaam Desh Ke Naam’ initiative,
we aim to bridge the gap between civilians and our armed forces, instilling a
deep sense of national pride. It is our duty to inspire 100 million Indians
globally over the next 1 year, by reminding them of the heroic battles that won
us freedom—something we cherish, yet often take for granted.”
Purvi Soali, Managing Trustee of
the Ekam Satt Foundation highlighted, “With a 360-degree engagement
campaign and the ‘Dil Se Desi’ initiative
across 25 global locations, we will connect to at-least 10 million Indians
worldwide. We are also committed to addressing the mental and emotional
well-being of our armed forces, youth, and citizens and locally want to
replicate this model. Together, let’s build a stronger India, fostering a deep sense
of ownership and contributing to our nation’s
journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat.”
The evening featured a moving keynote address by General
Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS India), who lauded the Foundation’s efforts and envisioned making its mission a
nationwide movement. General Anil Chauhan – PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Chief of Defence Staff CDS, India) said,
"When I was reappointed as the Chief of Defence Staff, Ameya Dabli came to
meet me and spoke about the power of music and how it unites people. I told
him, ‘I have a similar job—to unite the three services.’ We must work together
for the future because warfare is evolving rapidly. So, I told him one thing:
from now on, any show you do will be in a tri-service manner—not just for the
Army, not just for the Air Force, not just for the Navy, but for all
three together. Soldiers embody discipline, unity, and sacrifice—the same
values that music and art strive to evoke across communities. Platforms like
Ekam Satt Foundation, highlight how cultural and creative expressions not only
unite people but also serve as a form of therapy, offering solace, healing, and
resilience in the face of challenges. Music therapy has the unique power to
uplift spirits and foster emotional strength, reflecting the indomitable spirit
that defines our nation.”
In the interactive session with
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS India), Ameya Dabli touched
upon his life and lessons. General Chauhan reflected on his journey from
Kolkata, where he studied at Central School before joining the National Defence
Academy, to a distinguished 40-year military career that came full circle with
his retirement at Fort Williams. He emphasized the importance of meticulousness
over mere merit, shaping his disciplined approach to leadership. Highlighting
the evolving competition in the armed forces, he noted the increasing diversity
of recruits from smaller towns. He stressed that national interest must always
guide decisions and that success is a matter of choice, not chance—achieved
through dedication, sacrifice, and relentless hard work.
During the event, Ajay Piramal,
Chairman of Piramal Group and Flute Maestro & Grammy Award
Winner, Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia were felicitated for their respective contributions and support to the Ekam Satt
Foundation. The event also saw the unveiling of Ignite Your Inner Spark, a book
by Dr. Mrs. Alpa Teli, mental well-being coach and Former DGM - HR Godrej Industries Ltd. and an
ardent supporter of Ekam Satt Foundation. The book promoting foundation’s
mission will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration which aligns with the
Foundation’s vision of inspiring individuals to rise above
personal pursuits and contribute to the greater good.
Ameya Dabli and his troupe
delivered an outstanding performance, singing patriotic songs as part of the
Foundation's music therapy initiative, which resonated deeply with the audience
and highlighted the power of music to inspire unity and healing. The Ekam Satt
Foundation’s impact has been profound. With over 175
interventions across 60+ locations in India, The Foundation has positively
touched the lives of 2.5 million citizens thus far. Through a combination of
therapeutic music, psychological workshops, talent contests, and engaging
activities, the Foundation has built a strong sense of ownership between the
Armed Forces and the Indian diaspora, both nationally and globally. With its
focus on patriotism, community, and the transformative power of music, the Ekam
Satt Foundation’s 6th anniversary celebration stood as a
testament to its enduring vision of a united India.
About Ekam Satt Foundation:
Apart from the Mental Health
initiatives, the Foundation has been doing numerous social activities primarily
in the field of education and health. The objectives of this Trust include
extending financial help to poor and needy for education and medical relief
along with giving aid to deserving students & artists. Apart from these
objectives, the Foundation is also involved in promoting various cultural
activities, social welfare, and India’s rich culture.
About Ameya Dabli:
Introducing the extraordinary
Ameya Dabli, a hotshot banker turned celebrity singer, whose audacious decision
to abandon a thriving 15-year corporate career has propelled him towards a
magnificent journey of musical brilliance. With a vision that resonates across
the globe, Ameya has graced over 4000 concerts across the globe, leaving an
indelible mark of joy and exuberance wherever he performs.