Naadha Nin Swaramennum Snehaardrame: Sung by Betty Elza Jacob, Asst. Professor, CMS College, KTYM

A TESTIMONY SONG AT THE TIME OF COVID (Sung by Mrs Betty Elza Jacob, Assistant Professor, Department of English, CMS College, Kottayam / Harmonised by her brother and theological student, Bino Jacob, United Theological College, Bangalore.) This song is a testimony. This song is a ministry. This song is a prayer. We hope that this song would encourage those suspected of and diagnosed with COVID, and motivate those fighting against this pandemic. There is NO COPYRIGHT for this song, as long as it is used for the glory of God and the comfort of many. 'Naadha Nin Swaramennum Snehaadrame...' is a faith affirmation that there is a Lord who is beside us and is in control, as we face troubles and tribulations. This song evolves out of multiple contexts. Firstly, I was feeling unfortunate as I came to know that a few of my dear ones, including my congregation members, were diagnosed with COVID Positive. Secondly, I passed through a kind of compassion fatigue, as I was listening to the challenging experiences of our friends and members serving in hospitals and nursing homes. Finally, as a family, we were undergoing anxious moments as I fell sick with respiratory symptoms consistent with COVID, and suspected of Corona infection, had to undergo COVID Test, and remain quarantined. Amidst all these, what sustained us is that one thought that God alone is our strength. I was inspired by the line, 'Amarathu En Arike Nee Ullathaal' in the song 'Oru Mazhayum Thoraathirunnittilla' by dear Sajan Achen (Marthoma Church). The same concept repeats in the song, 'Naadha Nin Swaramennum Snehaadrame...' as a refrain, 'Arikathu Nee Enkil, Amarathu Nee Enkil Thalaraathe Thakaraathe Munneridaam (Poraadidaam)'. As I was not in a position to sing or record this song, I requested the help of a few of my beloved friends who graciously partnered with me to make this possible amidst the constraints of lockdown. May I record my heartfelt gratitude to dear Alex Achen & Aneesha Kochamma for singing the original version of this song, Joychayan for the orchestration, Jinesh for mixing, Sishir for editing, and Arun for graphics & animation. In faith, hope and love, vve-16/05/2020