Two Indian artists have paid tribute to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a song about her "war against the virus" and how she "arouse the Kiwis" against darkness and despair.
The song was written by MC Vasisht, a history professor in Kozhikode's Malabar Christian College in Kerala, India, and his former student Ashish Thomas, who composed and performed the piece.
"When the world fell in darkness... When the world cried in despair... There arouse the Kiwis... There arouse a leader... A leader called Jacinda," Thomas sings in the video posted to YouTube, which has racked up more than 4000 views.
It appears the artists meant to use the word 'arose' instead of 'arouse'. Nevertheless, Ardern reportedly enjoyed the song after a copy of it was sent to her by Vasisht.
According to news publisher Indian Express, Ardern was busy with the election and couldn't respond personally, but her office sent an email of thanks on her behalf.
"Jacinda has very much appreciated receiving your kind words and hope you are staying safe and well in Calicut, Kerala India," the email is said to have read.
According to Indian Express, Vasisht and Thomas came up with the idea to create the song for Ardern during lockdown.
"That was when I thought that I must let Ardern also know about this song. So, I emailed it to her," Vasisht told the news outlet.
Thomas said it was during his search for images of Ardern for the video montage that he learned more about her.
"She managed the pandemic and the country so well. I feel quite lucky to be part of a project that pays tribute to a leader like her."
Ardern's leadership of New Zealand through the COVID-19 pandemic is praised in the song.
"She won the war... In the war against the virus... She is Jacinda... She stands tall among the leaders of the world... She flew with the Kiwis... In the sky of happiness... She danced with the Kiwis... In the hall of fame...
"She leads the way... Kiwis show the way... In the war against the virus... She is the symbol of hope and Kiwis' symbol of courage... In the war against the COVID...
"Jacinda... We are with you, world adore you... The Kiwis fly high... With a leader called Jacinda."
The Prime Minister's office has been contacted for a response.
Vasisht has also been contacted by Newshub.
