The IISER choir performs at Kirkee War Cemetery on Sunday. (Express photo by Ashish Kale) The IISER choir performs at Kirkee War Cemetery on Sunday. (Express photo by Ashish Kale) THEY are the next generation scientists in the making. But of late, it is not research, laboratories or scientific theories that brings them together. Love for music has united at least two dozen students from the city-based Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) to form a choir. Dressed in red and black western formals, the group — comprising young students of mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry and other core science subjects — looked every bit like professional musicians. And when they took the centrestage during the celebrations for Armistice Day to mark the centenary year of World War I organised at Kirkee War Cemetery on Sunday, their music and songs traced the valour, hardships and sacrifices of heroes who participated in all wars that history has stood as witness. READ | Pune residents commemorate hundred years of World War I Every year, former servicemen and a handful of people visit the cemetery and lay wreath on November 11, a day to commemorate the contributions of the fallen heroes of World War I. But on the 100th anniversary this year, the celebrations had soulful music added by the students. It was a year ago when the group was constituted by John Mathew, an associate professor from the department of humanities and social sciences at IISER. Since then, the number of choir members has grown to become a two-digit figure. Since March this year, the group has performed on over five stages. “I was very curious when I learned about the cemetery when I first came to Pune. Since there were no major events organised in the city to mark the landmark day, I took personal interest and decided to perform here with the choir,” said Mathew, who has a keen interest in history, particularly in the World War memorials. While studies and research keep most of the choir members busy throughout the day, Mathew makes it a point to regularly conduct rehearsal sessions with the students. “Since we are engaged with our studies and other academic activities till at least 6 pm, we get time to meet only after that,” said Akshay Nair, a fourth-semester student of biology and a choir member from the institute. On Sunday, the group sang four songs on the day — “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”, written in 1861 at the time of the American Civil War ; “In Flanders Fields”, in memory of poppy flowers blossoms on the European battlefield; “Where Have All The Flowers Gone”, commemorating the Vietnam War and “We Shall Overcome”, raising hope above all war destruction. About the preparations for the centenary year celebrations, PhD student Vibishan B said: “The programme was long planned. But we managed to get together and practice during all of last week.” For all the latest Pune News, download Indian Express App

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