Conducted by the Cochin Arts and Communication (CAC), Paatum Padavum Parachilum is a road show that is a blend of a music concert, a film show and a play. Presented from the inside of a lorry, the programme is a part of the ‘Year of Mercy’ declared by Pope Francis earlier this year.
The man behind the concept, Father Capistan Lopez was asked to plan events on the lines of the Year of Mercy by Fr Jolly, the director of CAC. He came up with the idea after speaking to the Francis family. “I knew the kids and their knowledge in music. That’s when I thought of helping them launch a band and I named it Band FRAN6. Fr Jolly was more than happy to mentor them and take over the project,” he says.
The event doesn’t emphasise on religion but highlights issues like importance of family, environment, food wastage, abortions, deforestation and animal abuse. The hour-and-a-half long event starts with the band performing a song. Then Fr Capistan comes in as the narrator, followed by a short movie clip related to his talk and a concluding band performance. From the songs of band Oorali to Justin Beiber’s numbers, a variety of songs are played and one gets to see Fr Jolly perform with the band as well.
“Time just flies when the programme starts,” says Diaz from the audience.The main highlight of this programme is the lorry which travels and inside which, the stage is set with lights, projector screens, musical instruments and the band’s equipment. “When we started, there were only a few of us working on this, but as we went to different centres, we have been getting more support and prayers from many corners,” says Fr Jolly humbly.
