'Kerala's strength is communal harmony; must protect it from all harm'

Dallas: After years away from public performances, legendary Malayalam playback singer K.J. Yesudas has returned to the stage with music, memories and reflections, delighting Malayali audiences at an Onam celebration in the United States.

The 86-year-old singer appeared at the Onam festivities organised by the Kerala Association of Dallas as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. His return to a public event became an emotional moment for fans who have cherished his voice across generations.

Yesudas used the occasion to underline the importance of communal harmony in Kerala, saying the state's social fabric is held together by religious amity and urging people to protect it from anything that could weaken it.

He then returned to music, performing his celebrated rendition of "Jathi Bhedam Matha Dwesham Ethumillathe", bringing back memories of an iconic song closely associated with Kerala's message of equality and harmony. He also sang "Kerala, Kerala, Kelikottuyarunna Kerala" for the audience.

The veteran singer reflected on his lifelong relationship with music, acknowledging that even a lifetime would not be enough to fully embrace the vastness of the musical world. He also entertained the gathering by recounting personal experiences and memories with humour, leaving the audience laughing and applauding.

Yesudas has been living permanently in the United States since the Covid-19 pandemic and has largely stayed away from public stages in the years that followed. His appearance in Dallas, therefore, carried special significance.

At 86, his voice once again offered Malayalis a glimpse of the extraordinary musical legacy that has remained woven into the memories of several generations.