India: Meghalaya cops reimagine John Lennon song ‘Imagine’ as an anti-drug anthem in viral video
Released on #WorldMusicDay, social media users loved Meghalaya version of the 1971 song
Cops in the Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya have turned to rock legend John Lennon's iconic song 'Imagine', to discourage drug abuse. In a video that went viral on Twitter and Facebook, this week, in India, Meghalaya Police shared an adaptation of the song that is often referred to, as the ultimate peace anthem.
Adapting the lyrics of the 1971 song, the police departments of the state are discouraging drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The clips were released on Sunday because of the upcoming International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2020.
The song, performed by Meghalaya Police group ‘The Khaki Vibes’, has become a hit online. Of the many anti-drug campaigns that social media users have seen, this one might just be the most well-loved.
June 21, when the song was released, was also World Music Day. According to the local news source, Under the guidance of Shri R Chandranathan, Indian Police Service (IPS), Director General of Police (DGP) they launched this awareness video, which received many compliments on social media, and was widely shared. It has collected over 100,000 views on Facebook.
“Whoever wrote the lyrics is brilliant! A powerful message indeed. Congratulations Wow!!!!!! lovely to see my dearest friend once again on the band. Keep it up ,” Toi Walton wrote in the comments section on Facebook.
“Kudos to the Meghalaya Police. What a wonderful song and performance to raise awareness, khaki vibes spreading good vibes, ” Antony Wamlambok another Facebook user wrote.
Twitter user, @JohnnyChettri2 tweeted: "It’s so beautiful and inspiring. Hope people gets the message and they follow right path."
According to the United Nations, the day is observed to improve understanding of the world drug problem and achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.