Chennai: Music maestro and Rajya Sabha MP Ilaiyaraaja has dedicated his recently composed first symphony, titled Valiant, to the Indian soldiers following the tragic killing of innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement shared on social media, Ilaiyaraaja expressed deep solidarity with the armed forces and announced a personal donation to the National Defence Fund.
"Earlier this year, I composed & recorded my first symphony and named it ‘Valiant’, unaware that in May our real heroes, our soldiers would need to act with bravery, boldness, courage, precision and determination at the borders," he wrote, referring to the cold-blooded attack that claimed the lives of civilians.
Reaffirming his confidence in the Indian military, he stated, "I am very confident that our selfless bravehearts will bring the enemies to their knees." He quoted national Tamil poet Subramania Bharati's powerful lines—“Jaya Bherigai Kottada, Kottada, Jaya Bherigai Kottada”—to honour the spirit of resistance and patriotism.
As a mark of his respect and support, Ilaiyaraaja announced he would donate his concert fees and one month’s MP salary to the National Defence Fund. Calling this a tribute to the “valiant efforts” of India’s soldiers to safeguard the nation, he concluded his message with a stirring “Jai Hind.”
