AN i-taukei teacher has taken social media by storm for her remarkable rendition of a Bollywood song to celebrate Holi, a Hindu festival of colours, love and spring.
Nehru Memorial Primary School teacher Mereani Jacinta sang the 2014 hit song London Thumakda from the movie Queen.
A viral video on social media shows a school of children singing along, cheering and dancing to the tune.
They were joined by teachers in a fun-filled celebration.
The multicultural school celebrated Holi on Friday, and Jacinta said she was awe-struck when she was invited to sing a Hindi song before the school.
“The school organized a special Holi celebration and I wasn’t on the program,” said the Class 2 teacher.
“I was flabbergasted, but I wasn’t about to disappoint no one, I picked a song that I had recently learnt, gave a quick Karaoke search for music and tadda, we were tuned.”
Jacinta who often sings for Sector 4, a family band has been singing i-Taukei and English songs and was coerced into singing Hindi songs by her brothers.
“My brothers motivated me to give Hindi songs a try and on Friday I didn’t disappoint them.
“I owe it to my brothers and my colleague Mrs. Ranjini Prasad, a class 2 teacher, who helped me perfect the song lyrics,” Jacinta said.
Jacinta captured the hearts of thousands on social media and by yesterday, the viral video had garnered over 20 thousand views, 1000 shares and more than 2000 comments on various platforms.
“There is no question that cultural respect and inclusion are values that matter greatly in the classroom,” said Abdul Faiyaz, “We need more teachers like Jacinta, one love.”
Nia Green said this is the A+ approach to teaching.
“Giving students the courage to go the extra mile is truly praiseworthy.
“Keep shining, Jacinda and students,” Green said.
Laisani Cagi heaped praise on Jacinta’s voice, ‘fantastic and lovely voice of madam really creates a joyful and cheerful atmosphere for all the beautiful children.Bravo.”
Jacinta said she has been inundated with messages from friends, teachers and random people for singing a Hindi number during the Holi celebrations.
“We live in diverse society, we need to create a culturally responsive environment through love and respect and be that music,” she added.
