Voice of India Debojit Saha writes about an experience of a lifetime....

Sport, like music, is a great unifying force. And its vast canvas encompasses one and all. I realised this once again during my performance at the closing ceremony of the 33rd National Games in Guwahati a few days ago.

Performing in front of a 30,000-odd cheering crowd under the open skies in a magnificent stadium is a different experience altogether. A very humbling experience too. I really felt humbled as an individual when I looked up at the packed grandstands around me and the star-filled skies above.

I began my 15-minute performance with an old song, Moi sirodiney Asomiya, — a song about “being Assamese”. This patriotic song is a personal favourite, as it never fails to stir one’s emotions.

Then I sang Janmoni tumar baabey..., the peppy Bihu-based number, which has become a rage of late, followed by my signature number Dumma Dumma.

Of course, no performance these days is complete without a few Bollywood hits. Kyun aaj kal… from the film Woh Lamhe did the trick.

It really felt great to be able to contribute, even though in a small way, to the spirit of the National Games.

As soon as my performance got over, I was flooded with congratulatory messages from my fans as well political leaders, musicians and bureaucrats.

But what really made me proud was the fact that the state hosted such a great event without any hiccups and the whopping number of medals clinched by our sportspersons.

It gives me immense pride to be an Assamese. No matter where I stay, my heart is always in Assam, “mur moromor ghar...”

And there is also a bit of sport in everybody’s life.

I, too, played in muddy fields and chased the ball around in Silchar during my school and college days.

All my memories of college football returned in a flash when Assam defeated Tamil Nadu in the football final. That particular match defined the essence of Assamese spirit — the never-say-die attitude, no matter what odds are at stake.

I salute all the winners of the Games, and all those who participated in it. And I salute the very spirit of sport which teaches us to stand tall under all circumstances and put up a good fight.

Is that not what life is all about? Fighting against all odds?