8 November 2010
“Deep River ” – an Afro American spiritual
A  formal banquet was held on the evening of Monday (8 November, 2010) by the President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Patil at the fabulous Rashtrapati Bhavan  (President’s Residence) in the Indian Capital, New Delhi   in honour of the President of United States, Mr. Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama – who were on an official visit to India.
I was thrilled to note that a North-East group “Shillong” Chamber Choir group in India presented   a spiritual   called            ” Deep River ” – an Afro-American hymn at the banquet for the visiting dignitaries and other guests. .
The 16-member team, led by pianist Neil Nongkynrih, also enthralled Obamas with other English, Hindi and even Khasi (local North East language) numbers.
 I understand   that   “Deep River” is one of the best known of African American spirituals .
The lyrics that I   found from the internet are as below:
Deep River,
My home is over Jordan.
Deep River Lord.
I want to cross over into campground.
Deep River.
My home is over Jordan.
Deep River, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground
Oh, don’t you want to go,
To the gospel feast.
That promised land,
Where all, is peace.
Oh, Deep River, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.
“You Tube” provide many versions of the song sung by different singers/groups.
“Deep River”  is a deeply emotional spiritual expressing the pains and hopes of struggle .  
When we are coming to the 2010 Christmas season, I thought that this is an appropriate spiritual to guide us through our struggles in life with faith in ourselves and our God.
I believe  that it also reminds us of sufferings and pain of others in the community and around the world – who require our empathy and support.
regards
Pravin Shah