Barack Obama has once again shared his annual list of favorite songs, movies, and books for 2025, continuing a tradition he started during his time in the White House. This year's music selection is particularly noteworthy for its inclusion of "Pasayadan," a 13th-century Marathi prayer for universal brotherhood.
"Pasayadan," composed by Sant Dnyaneshwar, is traditionally sung at the conclusion of the Varkari pilgrimage. Unlike many devotional compositions focused on personal salvation, this abhang extends its wishes to the well-being of all beings. The version on Obama's playlist is a modern rendition by Ganavya, a New York-born and Tamil Nadu-raised vocalist. Ganavya's interpretation, available on YouTube, is featured on her 2025 album "Nilam," co-produced by Nils Frahm at Berlin's Funkhaus studio. The music video, directed by Vali Chandrasekaran, features dancer David Adrian Freeland Jr. and complements the prayer's contemplative nature.
Ganavya has described "Pasayadan" as a prayer for the sun to rise in all cold hearts, emphasizing its meditation on wisdom, compassion, and mutual sanctuary amidst suffering. She views the central theme of "Nilam" as "doing what we need to do to keep carrying on". Marathi literary experts highlight the abhang's moral vision, with early lines pleading for the dissolution of cruelty and the growth of wisdom. One of its most enduring lines expresses the wish that all beings be bound in bonds of love.
Obama's playlist reflects his eclectic musical taste, blending genres, eras, and global sounds. Alongside "Pasayadan," the list includes tracks from Lady Gaga, Olivia Dean, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Blackpink, Bruce Springsteen, and Drake. This mix showcases Obama's appreciation for both popular hits and deeper cuts, and a wide array of musical styles. Social media users have responded positively to the song selection, particularly noting the inclusion of both Lamar and Drake despite their recent rivalry. Some have playfully commented on Obama's role as a "true President always brokering peace" by including both artists.
Marathi scholar Aparna Bedekar describes "Pasayadan" as the philosophical culmination of the Dnyaneshwari, a foundational text of the Bhagwat tradition. She notes that the prayer has become a central part of the Varkari pilgrimage, embracing people across various communities and dissolving distinctions of caste, sect, and social hierarchy. Satish Joglekar, author of "Window to Ancient India," describes "Pasayadan" as a prayer that transcends धर्म, creed, and time urging individuals to actively become a refuge for others. Prasad Kambli, director of the play "Sangeet Dev Bababhali," notes its relevance in a world filled with war and strife.
Obama's inclusion of "Pasayadan" highlights his appreciation for global music and his connection to Indian culture. It also underscores the prayer's message of universal brotherhood and its enduring relevance in contemporary times. The complete list reflects a borderless musical journey, moving effortlessly across cultures, moods, and styles.
